Droupadi Murmu swearing-in ceremony updates | Xi Jinping congratulates President Droupadi Murmu

Droupadi Murmu to succeed Ram Nath Kovind, to be 15th President of India

July 25, 2022 09:12 am | Updated 06:38 pm IST

President Droupadi Murmu during a guard of honour by the Tri-services personnel at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, on July 25, 2022.

President Droupadi Murmu during a guard of honour by the Tri-services personnel at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, on July 25, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI

President-elect Droupadi Murmutook oath of office of the highest constitutional post of the country on Monday followed by a 21-gun salute.

The ceremony was held at the central hall of Parliament at 10:15 a.m. where Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana administered the oath of office to her. The President then delivered her first address to the nation. Before the ceremony, the outgoing President and the President-elect arrived in Parliament in a ceremonial procession.

Droupadi Murmu | The irresistible rise 

In her first address to the nation from the Parliament’s central hall, President Murmu said her election to the country’s top constitutional position is not her personal achievement but that of India’s every poor person as it shows that he can not only dream but also fulfil those aspirations. India’s first tribal President recalled that she grew up in a small tribal village where even getting primary education was like a dream and she went on to become the first person in the village to enrol for college education. It is a tribute to Indian democracy’s strength, Murmu said she has now reached the post of President and was proud to be leading such a progressive country.

Noting that she was the first President to be born after Independence, President Murmu said it was her good fortune that she has assumed the position at a time when the country is celebrating “ Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” to mark the 75th anniversary of its freedom. 

On the conclusion of the ceremony in the central hall of the Parliament, the President left for the Rashtrapati Bhavan where an inter-services guard of honour was given to her on the forecourt and courtesies were extended to the outgoing President.

Editorial | Madam President: On Droupadi Murmu’s election as India’s 15th President

Ms. Murmu, 64, scripted history on Thursday after defeating Opposition Presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha in a one-sided contest. She will become India’s first tribal President.

Latest updates:

New Delhi | 3.20 p.m.

Former president Kovind moves to new home at 12 Janpath

Former president Ram Nath Kovind moved to his new residence at Janpath road, the bungalow once occupied by former Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

Mr. Kovind was driven down to his new home from Rashtrapati Bhavan after Droupadi Murmu took over as the President of India. As part of the convention, Ms. Murmu, the new President, was also present.

Beijing | 3.00 p.m.

Xi Jinping congratulates President Droupadi Murmu

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to India’s new President Droupadi Murmu, Chinese State media reported.

The message marked Mr. Xi’s first direct known communication with India since an offer of assistance during the April 2021 COVID-19 second wave. 

Mr. Xi, in the message, said China and India are important neighbours to each other and “a healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and is also conducive to regional and world peace, stability and development”.

Srinagar | 2.15 p.m.

Outgoing President Kovind fulfilled BJP’s agenda: Mehbooba Mufti

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accused the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind of “fulfilling BJP’s political agenda “.

“The outgoing President leaves behind a legacy where the Indian Constitution was trampled upon umpteenth times. Be it scrapping of Article 370, CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) or the unabashed targeting of minorities and Dalits, he fulfilled BJPs political agenda all at the cost of the Indian Constitution,” Ms. Mufti said, in a tweet.

Tweeting a fresh circular issued by the Chief Education Officer in central Kashmir’s Budgam, she again criticised the Lieutenant Governor’s administration for asking students to pay for the Tricolour for the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.  

New Delhi | 2.10 p.m.

Former President Kovind moves to post-retirement home at 12 Janpath

Former President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday moved to his new residence at Janpath road, the bungalow once occupied by former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

Mr. Kovind drove down to his new home from Rashtrapati Bhavan after Droupadi Murmu took over as the President of India.

Paswan had lived in 12 Janpath for three decades before his death in 2020. Following an eviction notice, his son Chirag Paswan had vacated the house in April.

The bungalow was readied for Mr. Kovind as his post-retirement home.

Paswan, one of the country’s most prominent Dalit leaders, died at the age of 74 in October 2020. He had been a Minister in Central governments headed by parties of contrasting ideologies, ranging from the Janata Dal to the Congress and the BJP, since 1989. - PTI

Sri Lanka | 1.51 p.m.

Sri Lanka President greets Droupadi Murmu

In the first international reaction, Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Droupadi Murmu on assuming the office of the President of India.

In a letter issued by his office, Mr. Wickremesinghe, who was also recently elected the President of the crisis-ridden country, said Ms. Murmu’s appointment was testimony to the trust and confidence the Government of India and people have placed in her “caliber and political acumen”.

He also highlighted upon India and Sri Lanka relations. - Meera Srinivasan, Sri Lanka correspondent.

New Delhi | 12.57 p.m.

Amit Shah congratulates Droupadi Murmu on assuming charge as President

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on assuming charge as the President of the country, and hoped that her tenure will take India’s pride to new heights.

Ms. Murmu took oath as the 15th President of India. Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana administered her oath at a ceremony held at Parliament’s Central Hall.

“Many congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on taking oath as the 15th President of India. I am sure that your tenure will take the pride of the country to new heights. Today’s historic day is a wonderful example of empowerment and ‘Antyodaya’ of every section following democratic values,” Mr. Shah tweeted in Hindi. - PTI

New Delhi | 12.00 p.m.

Watershed moment for India: PM Modi on Droupadi Murmu assuming presidency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Droupadi Murmu taking over as India’s new President as a “watershed moment” for the country, especially the poor, marginalised and downtrodden.

The entire nation watched with pride as she took oath, PM Modi said, wishing her the best for a fruitful tenure.

Ms. Murmu has become India’s first tribal President.

PM Modi said, “In her address after taking oath, President Droupadi Murmu Ji gave a message of hope and compassion. She emphasised on India’s accomplishments and presented a futuristic vision of the path ahead at a time when India is marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.” He added, “The entire nation watched with pride as Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji took oath as the President of India. Her assuming the Presidency is a watershed moment for India especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. I wish her the very best for a fruitful Presidential tenure.”

New Delhi | 11.48 a.m.

Droupadi Murmu assumes the office of the President of India

Fifteenth President of India Draupadi Murmu with the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind during a guard of honour ceremony at Rashtrapati bhavan in New Delhi on July 25, 2022.

Fifteenth President of India Draupadi Murmu with the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind during a guard of honour ceremony at Rashtrapati bhavan in New Delhi on July 25, 2022. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday assumed the office at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in a handing-over ceremony from former President Ram Nath Kovind. After assuming the office, President Murmu inspected the tri-services guard of honour at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan

Tamil Nadu | 11.11 a.m.

M.K. Stalin greets President Murmu, hails Kovind for services

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday greeted President Droupadi Murmu saying the nation would benefit from her services and congratulated Ram Nath Kovind for successfully completing his term.

Congratulating Murmu for taking over as the 15th President, Mr. Stalin in his message said: “I am sure that the nation would stand to benefit from your services as the President of this great country and I wish you all the very best.” Her election conveys and strengthens the nation’s trust in democracy and in the principle of inclusiveness, he said.

Odisha | 10.57 a.m.

School children in Murmu’s hometown watch live telecast of ceremony

School children at Rairangpur - hometown of President Droupadi Murmu - watch direct telecast of her swearing-in ceremony.

School children in Murmu’s hometown watch live telecast of ceremony.

School children in Murmu’s hometown watch live telecast of ceremony. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Odisha | 10.54 a.m.

Celebration in Odisha

People continue to celebrate President Droupadi Murmu’s ascension to the highest office of the country, at her hometown Rairangpur.

| Video Credit: Special Arrangement
New Delhi | 10.42 a.m.

New President leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu, former President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and CJI N.V. Ramana have left the Parliament House for the Rashtrapati Bhavan for the handing-over ceremony. - The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi | 10.40 a.m.

Droupadi Murmu’s first tweet as President

In her first tweet after taking oath of the office of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu said people’s affection, trust and support will be her strength in discharging her duties.

“Johar! Namaskar! I humbly greet all the fellow citizens from this sacred Parliament, a symbol of the hopes, aspirations and rights of all the citizens of India,” President Murmu said. in the tweet.

“Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities.”

New Delhi | 10.36 p.m.

VP Naidu reads English translation of President’s address

After President Droupadi Murmu finished her address to the nation in Hindi, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu read out the translated excerpts of her speech.

New Delhi | 10.15 a.m.

India gets its 15th President as Droupadi Murmu takes oath of office

Droupadi Murmu takes oath as the 15th President of India. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana.

Ms. Murmu is currently delivering her first address to the nation as President. President Murmu, in her acceptance speech in Hindi, says her election is an expression of trust of crores of citizens.

She mentions that she is the first president who was born after Independence.

“A girl from a modest tribal family being elected as the President reflects the strength of Indian democracy,” the President says while adding that she was the first woman from her village to attend a college.

Droupadi Murmu being sworn-in as the 15th President of India by CJI Justice N.V. Ramana, left, in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, on July 25, 2022.

Droupadi Murmu being sworn-in as the 15th President of India by CJI Justice N.V. Ramana, left, in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, on July 25, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI

Crediting India’s democratic values, she says she started her political journey as a local ward councillor and today she took oath as the President of India. She says her elevation is proof that the poor can dream big and they can be fulfilled. It is the power of “India’s democracy that a girl born in a poor tribal home could reach the topmost constitutional post,” Ms. Murmu adds

President Murmu recalls the contributions and sacrifices of freedom fighters like Subash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel among others.

She also mentions that she started her political career when India was celebrating her 50th anniversary of Indian independence and in the 75th year, she is becoming President.

Ms Murmu also congratulates the armed forces for the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The new President assures that she will work for the women and also appeals to the youth to shape their own destiny and that of the country.

The President gives the call for everyone’s effort and everyone’s duty to usher in the path of progress of India.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and CJI N.V. Ramana are seated on the dais. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seated next to former President Pratibha Patil in the first row of the audience. Congress president Sonia Gandhi is seated next to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. 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 also attend the ceremony.

President Droupadi Murmu speaks after taking oath in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022. Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and CJI N.V. Ramana are also seen.

President Droupadi Murmu speaks after taking oath in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022. Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and CJI N.V. Ramana are also seen. | Photo Credit: PTI

While greeting Union Ministers and MPs, Ms. Murmu walks up to Ms. Patil and shakes hands.- The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi | 9.50 a.m.

Droupadi Murmu reaches Rashtrapati Bhavan; welcomed by Ram Nath Kovind

President-elect Droupadi Murmu reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan, her home and office for the next five years, on Monday morning where she was welcomed by outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind.

Ms. Murmu will leave for Parliament House shortly, where she will be administered oath as the 15th President of India by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana at the historic Central Hall.

Ms. Murmu was welcomed by the Kovinds who offered her a bouquet.

President Kovind then escorted her to the Presidential study for a brief meeting.

New Delhi | 9.03 a.m.

President-elect Murmu pays floral tributes at Raj Ghat

President-elect Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Raj Ghat on Monday morning, ahead of her swearing in ceremony.

She was escorted by military and other officials. - PTI

New Delhi | 8.57 a.m.

Droupadi Murmu to become 10th successive President to take oath on July 25

Droupadi Murmu will become the 10th successive President to take oath on July 25 since 1977. She will take oath of office of the highest constitutional post of the country on Monday followed by a 21-gun salute.

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.

Records show that since 1977, successive Presidents have taken oath on July 25.

New Delhi | 8.48 a.m.

Droupadi Murmu to take oath as President followed by 21-gun salute

President-elect Droupadi Murmu will take oath of office of the highest constitutional post of the country on Monday followed by a 21-gun salute.

The Union Home Ministry said the ceremony will be held at the central hall of Parliament at 10:15 a.m. on Monday where Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana will administer the oath of office to her. The President will then deliver an address.

Before the ceremony, the outgoing President and the President-elect will arrive in Parliament in a ceremonial procession.

Ms. Murmu, 64, scripted history on Thursday after defeating Opposition Presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha in a one-sided contest. She will become India’s first tribal President.

Ms. Murmu won the election by an overwhelming margin against Mr. Sinha after receiving over 64% valid votes of MPs and MLAs, comprising the Electoral College, to succeed Ram Nath Kovind to become the country’s 15th President.

Ms. Murmu got 6,76,803 votes against Mr. 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.

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