Ram Nath Kovind was today sworn in as India's 14th president, the first BJP leader and the second Dalit in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kovind was administered the oath of office to "preserve, protect and defend the constitution and law" by Chief Justice of India J S Kehar in an impressive ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament.
The 71-year-old took oath in Hindi to thunderous applause and thumping of desks by the gathering, including Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee and former president Pratibha Patil. Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Devegowda, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, former deputy prime minister L K Advani as well as Union ministers and foreign dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Photographs of President Mukherjee & President-elect proceeding for Parliament for ceremony of assumption of office of the President pic.twitter.com/WakFpfVFus
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017After he took oath, Kovind was given a 21-gun salute to mark the assumption of office of the highest constitutional post in the country. Once the oath taking was over, Kovind and Mukherjee exchanged seats on the dais after which the new president delivered his maiden speech as president. Kovind was elected with 65 per cent of votes defeating Meira Kumar to occupy the top post.
The 71-year-old leader born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, had also earned the support of the JD(U), which broke ranks with the "mahagathbandhan" because of his non-confrontational approach as governor of the state. A commerce graduate, Kovind studied law at the Kanpur University, practised in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. He was also the central government's standing counsel in the apex court from 1980-93.
Photos of #PresidentKovind being sworn-in as the 14th President of India pic.twitter.com/8oWT1ZZ7df
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Kovind, who headed Dalit Morcha from 1998 to 2002, also led the All-India Koli Samaj. Elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 1994 from Uttar Pradesh, he served two consecutive terms till March 2006. Outgoing Mukherjee bows out of public life after a five- decade political career.
Honoured to be sworn in as the 14th President of India; would be carrying out my responsibilities with all humility #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017I bow to the 125 crore citizens of this great nation and promise to stay true to the trust they have bestowed on me #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Our Independence was the result of efforts by thousands of patriotic freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017The key to India’s success is its diversity #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Nations are not built by governments alone #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Nation building requires national pride #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Each citizen of India is a nation builder #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Each one of us is a custodian of India’s well-being and of the legacy that we will pass on to coming generations #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017The armed forces that protect our borders and keep us safe are nation builders #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Those police and paramilitary forces that fight terrorism and crime are nation builders #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Farmer toiling in the blazing sun to feed fellow citizens is a nation builder #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Scientist concentrating tirelessly to send an Indian space mission to Mars, or invent a vaccine, is a nation builder #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017Women who despite responsibilities at home and work raise children to be ideal citizens are nation builders #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017