Droupadi Murmu, 64, is the second former member of BJP after President Kovind to be elected as President of India. She became the youngest and first-ever tribal woman to hold the highest Constitutional post.

Team Clarion

NEW DELHI — Droupadi Murmu on Monday took oath as the 15th President of India. She is the second woman President of the country and first-ever tribal woman to hold the highest Constitutional post.

She contested against Yashwant Sinha, the joint opposition’s nominee for the top job.

Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana administered the oath of office to Murmu in the Central Hall of Parliament.

Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and Murmu arrived in Parliament in a ceremonial procession shortly before the swearing in commenced.

Before leaving for the swearing-in ceremony, Murmu reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan, her home and office for the next five years, where she was welcomed by Kovind and his wife Savita.

The outgoing President had then escorted Murmu to the Presidential study for a brief meeting. Earlier in the morning, Murmu paid tributes to the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

In her first address as the President of India at the Central Hall of Parliament, Droupadi Murmu said, “While 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.”

She also said that, “I am fortunate to have got this opportunity to serve during the 75th year of independence.”

She further added that reaching the Presidential post is not personal achievement but an 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 said. 

Born in Independent India, Droupadi Murmu became the youngest President of India.

“I am the first President of the country who was born in independent India,” President Droupadi Murmu said.

Murmu, 64, is the second former member of BJP after President Kovind to be elected as President of India. She is a tribal leader from Rairangpur in the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. 

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President 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, MPs and principal civil and military officers of the government attended the swearing in ceremony. — With inputs from media