New Delhi: After being sworn in as India's 15th President on Monday, Droupadi Murmu said that reaching the Presidential post is not her "personal achievement", it is the achievement of "every poor in India." She called her nomination as evidence that the poor in India "can not only dream but also fulfill those dreams".
She was administered the oath of office of the highest constitutional post in the country at the central hall of Parliament at 10.15 AM by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. The ceremony was followed by a 21-gun salute.
The newly sworn-in President said, "Standing in the Parliament - the symbol of expectations, aspirations, and rights of all Indians - I humbly express my gratitude to all of you. Your trust and support will be a major strength for me to carry out this new responsibility."
"Reaching the Presidential post is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor in India. My nomination is evidence that the poor in India can not only dream but also fulfill those dreams," she emphasised.
She further added, "It is satisfying to me that the people who were devoid of development for years - the poor, Dalits, backward, the tribals - can see me as their reflection. My nomination has blessings of the poor behind it, it's a reflection of the dreams and capabilities of crores of women."
Being the first-ever tribal woman to hold the highest Constitutional post, she highlighted the community's glorious contribution to the India's freedom struggle by mentioning Santhal, Paika, Kol, and Bhil revolutions which happened across various regions.
"All these revolutions had strengthened the tribal contribution in the freedom struggle. We derived inspiration from the sacrifice of 'Dharti Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji for social upliftment and patriotism. I am happy that many museums are being built across the country dedicated to the role of the tribal communities in our freedom struggle," she said.
Droupadi Murmu also mentioned that she is the first President of the country who was born in independent India. "We will have to speed up our efforts to meet the expectations that our freedom fighters had with the citizens of independent India," President Murmu stressed.
She said, "We are building 'Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat' by embracing many languages, religions, food habits, and customs."
She recalled that in 75 years as parliamentary democracy, India has carried forward resolve of progress through participation and consensus.
"India is ready with new thinking as it celebrates 'Amrit Kaal', the 75th anniversary of its Independence," President Murmu affirmed.
Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Members of the Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, Members of Parliament, and principal civil and military officers of the government attended the ceremony.
At the conclusion of the ceremony in the central hall of the Parliament, the President will leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan where an inter-services guard of honour will be given to her in the forecourt and courtesies will be extended to the outgoing President.
Droupadi Murmu, 64, scripted history to become India's first tribal President, defeating Opposition Presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha in a one-sided contest.
Murmu won the election by an overwhelming margin against Sinha after receiving over 64 per cent of valid votes of MPs and MLAs, comprising the electoral college, to succeed Ram Nath Kovind to become the country's 15th President.
Murmu polled 6,76,803 votes against Sinha's 3,80,177 votes.
She will be the first President to be born after independence and is the youngest to occupy the top post. She is also the second woman to become the President.
(With Agency Inputs)