'MPs Should Follow Gandhian Philosophy In Parliament': Outgoing Prez Ramnath Kovind During Farewell Speech

Outgoing President Ramnath Kovind thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla for extending their support during his tenure. 

Outgoing President Ramnath Kovind giving his farewell speech at Parliament's Central Hall.

New Delhi: Outgoing President of India, Ramnath Kovind addressed the joint session of Parliament on his farewell at the Central Hall on Saturday. In his farewell speech, Kovind expressed his gratitude to the citizens of the country "for giving the opportunity to serve as the President." Kovind also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla for extending their support during his tenure. 

Speaking at the Central Hall, the outgoing president remnisced the time when he took oath for the post five years back and said that "Parliament is a temple of democracy". 

In his speech, Kovind said that political parties and people of India should register their dissent as per the provisions laid by the constitution and advised political parties to follow Gandhian philosophy of truth and non violence while exercising rights of debate and dissent in the Parliament. 

MPs should always follow Gandhian philosophy while exercising rights of debate and dissent in Parliament: Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 23, 2022

The outgoing President praised the Modi government for its effforts in various areas saying that many people have been pulled out of poverty as less children today live in kutcha houses like he used to live back in his childhood. He also acknowledged Modi government's effort to supply water and electricity connection to remote villages saying that "women now do not have to walk miles for accessing water and memories of lanterns lighting up after sunrise is villages is getting dimmed."

Kovind also noted in his observation from various convocations he attended at different educational institutions that female students performed better than male students. He also addressed the Covid-19 pandemic and said that the pandemic has taught us the lesson that "humans are not different or above the nature but a part of it" and hoped that the world community will learn this lesson. 

Towards the conclusion, the outgoing President congratulated the new President-elect to Droupadi Murmu and wished her the best. "I heartily congratulate Droupadi Murmu for being elected as next preident, country will benefit from her guidance," he said.