New Delhi
New President Droupadi Murmu on Monday extolled the virtues of India’s democracy, which, she said, gave a poor tribal like her from a remote village in the east the opportunity to assume the apex constitutional post.
“I started my life from a small tribal village where even primary education was a dream. I was the first to go to college from my village. I belong to the tribal society, and I have got the opportunity to become the President of India from a ward councilor. This is the greatness of India, the mother of democracy. It is the power of India’s democracy that a girl born in a poor tribal home could reach the topmost constitutional post,” Murmu said, in her first speech, after she was sworn-in as the 15th President of India by the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.
Earlier, she accompanied former President Ram Nath Kovind in a ceremonial procession to take oath in the Central Hall of Parliament.
Murmu, who is the first President to be born after Independence and the youngest to assume the top post, outlined her background and credentials to assert that the poor in India can not only dream but also fulfill those dreams.
“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,” Murmu, who started off her day by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, said.
“I am fortunate and honoured to have got this opportunity to serve during the 75th year of Independence and when the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated. I started my political career when India was celebrating 50 years of Independence. In this historic moment, it is my fortune to get this responsibility,” the President, said adding she has come to realise that the essence of life is in public service.
She outlined her background as a school teacher and also the Governor of Jharkhand to emphasise the importance of youth. “My election also involves the courage of India’s youth. Former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee used to say that when the country’s youth progresses, they don’t just change their own destiny but also that of the country. We can see that turning true. I assure all the countrymen, especially the youth of India and the women of India, that while working in this position, their interests will be paramount for me,” she said
She remembered the contributions made by tribal freedom fighters and the Government’s efforts to recognize and them through the tribal museums.
“From the Santhal revolution, Paika revolution to Kol revolution and Bhil revolution, the tribal contribution in the freedom struggle was further strengthened. We were inspired by the sacrifice of Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda for social upliftment and patriotism,” she said.
The President further spoke about the importance of living in harmony with nature and sustainable livelihood. “I have been born in that tribal tradition which has carried on life in harmony with nature for thousands of years. I have realised the importance of forests and water bodies in my life. We take necessary resources from nature and serve nature with equal reverence.”
“It is a matter of great satisfaction for me that those who have been deprived for centuries, who have been away from the benefits of development, those poor, downtrodden, backward and tribals are seeing their reflection in me,” she said.
She said the Kargil Diwas is tomorrow (July 26) and on this occasion I extend my wishes to the soldiers armed forces. The President happens to be the Supreme Commander of the armed forces.
She lauded India’s fight against the Coronavirus, saying it showed the increasing courage and sensitiveness of our society. She also talked of India hosting the G20 summit in the days to come and government’s projects like vocal for local.
Prime Minister Modi termed her oath taking a watershed moment. “The entire nation watched with pride as she took the oath. 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,” he tweeted.
Thanking the Parliamentarians, she 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.”
Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister 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 attended the oath ceremony.
