President Oath-Taking Live: Murmu Takes Charge; PM Modi Hails 'Watershed Moment'
Catch all the live updates from president-elect Droupadi Murmu's swearing-in ceremony here.
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Droupadi Murmu Oath Taking Ceremony Live Updates: Droupadi Murmu on Monday, 25 July, took oath as the 15th president of India at the Parliament's Central Hall.
Murmu was administered the oath by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. Addressing the nation soon after taking the oath, President Murmu said that the trust and support of the people were her greatest strengths.
"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. Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities," she said.
Soon after the oath, Murmu assumed office following a handing-over ceremony by former President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Murmu received the Tri-Services Guard of Honour later.
Former President Kovind also received the final Tri-Services Guard of Honour, following which he officially left Rashtrapati Bhavan, and arrived at his new residence on Janpath Road.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to call Droupadi Murmu's oath-taking a "watershed moment" in India's history.
President Droupadi Murmu with CJI Justice N V Ramana during her oath ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
President Droupadi Murmu speaks after taking oath in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries during the swearing-in ceremony of President Droupadi Murmu, in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
President Droupadi Murmu meets Parliamentarians and other dignitaries as she leaves after taking oath in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022. Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind is also seen.
President Droupadi Murmu arrives to inspect the guard of honour at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
President Droupadi Murmu with former President Ram Nath Kovind prepares to leave for Parliament for her oath ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
President Droupadi Murmu arrives to inspect the guard of honour at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
President Droupadi Murmu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her oath ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
President Droupadi Murmu with outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Nadu and CJI Justice N V Ramana during her oath ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu, members of the Council of Ministers, state governors, chief ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, members of Parliament, and principal civil and military officers of the government
Murmu met outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and his family at the Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the swearing-in ceremony
She also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat earlier in the morning
Droupadi Murmu won the presidential election on Thursday, 21 July
Murmu has scripted history by becoming the first tribal person elected as president of India, and the second woman to hold the top post
President Ram Nath Kovind's term ended on 24 July
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Rairangpur to Raisina: Droupadi Murmu's Journey
From being a teacher to entering politics and serving as the first woman governor of a state, the 64-year-old's journey to now occupying the top constitutional post is interesting to look at.
Murmu graduated from Rama Devi Women's College in Bhubaneswar with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
She served as a junior assistant in the Odisha irrigation and power department, and later as an honorary assistant professor at Shri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research, Rairangpur.
Murmu's political career began in 1997, when she was elected councillor for the Rairangpur district of Odisha. Three years later, she got elected as a legislator from Rairangpur constituency.
She also wears the crown of being the first woman from Odisha to be named governor of a state in India.
Droupadi Murmu's Victory in Presidential Election
National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) Droupadi Murmu came out on top in the race for the post of president of India on Thursday, 21 July, becoming the first person from a tribal community and the second woman ever to be elected to the top post.
While president-elect Murmu secured 2,824 first preference votes, valued at 6,76,803, Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha secured 1,877 first preference votes, valued at 3,80,177.
Sinha congratulated Murmu on her victory and said in a statement: "I hope – indeed, every Indian hopes – that as the 15th President of India, she functions as the Custodian of the Constitution without fear or favour."
Droupadi Murmu To Take Oath as President Today
President-elect Droupadi Murmu will take oath as the 15th president of India at 10:15 am, in the Central Hall of Parliament.
Dinner Hosted by President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Ram Nath Kovind hosted a dinner for President-elect Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of the Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday.
Traffic Restrictions Imposed in Delhi
Vehicular movement is likely to be affected in Lutyens Delhi on Monday due to the swearing-in ceremony of the president-elect of India, Delhi Traffic Police said Sunday.
A senior police officer has asked commuters to avoid roundabout Kautilya, Teen Murti Marg, roundabout Teen Murti, Akbar Road, roundabout Gol Methi, Krishna Menon Marg, Vijay Chowk, K Kamraj Marg from 9 am to noon on Monday.
New Parliament Building Construction To Be Halted for Oath
The Personnel Ministry on Friday directed partial closure of certain government offices as well. The buildings that would be vacated early include South Block, North Block, Rail Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Sanchar Bhawan, Press Trust of India (PTI) Building, Sena Bhawan, Vayu Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan among others, according to the order.
The construction work of the new Parliament building will also be stopped during that time.
A Look at the Govt's 1950 Document on President's Oath
On the eve of the swearing in ceremony of India's 15th President, the Press Information Bureau shared on Twitter an official document from 1950 titled 'Swearing in ceremony of President-elect and ministers on Thursday, January 26, 1950'.
The document carries the details of the oath ceremony of India's 1st President, Rajendra Prasad.
Droupadi Murmu Leaves for Rajghat
President-elect Droupadi Murmu leaves from her residence for Rajghat, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.
The Schedule for Today's Ceremony
Droupadi Murmu will left her temporary residence at Uma Shankar Dixit Lane for Rajghat around 8 am. She is scheduled to reach Rajghat at around 08:30 am.
Murmu will then reach the Rashtrapati Bhawan at around 09:22 am.
From there, outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and President-elect Murmu will arrive at the Parliament in a ceremonial procession.
The oath will be administered at 10:15 am, followed by a 21-gun salute and an address by the president.
Another ceremonial event is scheduled to be held at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan at 9:42 am. But if it rains, the function will be skipped, according to a statement on the schedule of the oath ceremony.
Droupadi Murmu Pays Homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
President-elect Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat ahead of the oath ceremony.
Droupadi Murmu To Be President: 10 Reasons This Is Important in Run-Up to 2024
Droupadi Murmu as India's first Adivasi woman president, is no doubt important symbolically and helps the BJP's project of trying to forge a united Hindu vote bank.
According to CSDS, 46 percent of Hindu Adivasis voted for the NDA in 2019 as opposed to 40 percent in 2014. Adivasi support for the NDA was less than Hindu OBC support (54 percent) and Hindu Upper Caste support (59 percent) but slightly more than Hindu Dalit support (41 percent)
By nominating Murmu, the BJP has prioritised strengthening its social coalition. In some ways, the same can be said about Dhankhar's candidature as vice president, as the BJP has been showcasing him as a 'kisan putra' (farmers' son).
Read more here: Droupadi Murmu To Be President: 10 Reasons This Is Important in Run-Up to 2024
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar To Skip Oath Ceremony
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not be attending the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Droupadi Murmu.
Droupadi Murmu Arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Meets Prez Kovind's Family
President-elect Droupadi Murmu arrives at the Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the oath ceremony, and meets the family of outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind.
In Photos: Preparations at Rashtrapati Bhavan
(Photo Courtesy: Rashtrapati Bhavan)
(Photo Courtesy: Rashtrapati Bhavan)
Droupadi Murmu Leaves for Parliament
President-elect Droupadi Murmu leaves for Parliament after meeting President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
CJI NV Ramana Arrives at Parliament's Central Hall
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana arrives at Parliament's Central Hall to administer the Presidential oath to Droupadi Murmu.
Droupadi Murmu Arrives at Parliament, To Take Oath Soon
President-elect Droupadi Murmu arrives at the Parliament to take oath as the 15th President.
Droupadi Murmu at Parliament to Take Oath
President-elect Droupadi Murmu arrived at the Parliament's Central Hall where she will take oath as the 15th president of India.
Droupadi Murmu Sworn-In as 15th President
Droupadi Murmu took oath as the 15th president of India at the Parliament's Central Hall.
'Your Trust My Greatest Strength': Murmu Addresses Nation After Taking Oath
Addressing the nation soon after taking oath as the 15th President, Droupadi Murmu said that the trust and support of the people is her greatest strength.
"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. Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities," she said.
Here are the key highlights of her speech:
Standing inside the Parliament - the symbol of expectations, aspirations and rights of all Indians - I humbly express my gratitude to all of you.
I am 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.
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.
It is 26 July tomorrow and the country will celebrate Kargil Vijay Divas. The day marks the courage and patience of the armed forces. I extend my best wishes for this day.
The poor of the country have always blessed me. My blessings also include those of women and daughters. I want to assure the citizens of the country, especially the youth and the women that their interests will be of utmost priority.
Droupadi Murmu to Leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan
Droupadi Murmu will leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan shortly, where the handing-over ceremony will take place.
She greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders at the Parliament after taking oath.
Droupadi Murmu Leaves for Rashtrapati Bhavan
Droupadi Murmu left the Parliament House for Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the handing-over ceremony will take place.
Droupadi Murmu Reaches Rashtrapati Bhavan
Droupadi Murmu arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan with former President Ram Nath Kovind, where the handing-over ceremony will take place.
President Droupadi Murmu Receives Ceremonial Salute
President Droupadi Murmu received ceremonial salute at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Former President Ram Nath Kovind was also present with her.
President Droupadi Murmu Assumes Office
President Droupadi Murmu assumed the office of the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Former President Ram Nath Kovind also present with her.
President Murmu to Receive Tri-Service Guard of Honour Shortly
President Droupadi Murmu will shortly receive the Guard of Honour by three armed services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu are also present.
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
President Murmu Receives First Tri-Service Guard of Honour
President Droupadi Murmu received the first Tri-Service Guard of Honour.
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
Tri-Services Bid Adieu to Former President Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind inspected the Guard for the last time.
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind Greets Dignitaries
Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind greeted PM Narendra Modi, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and other dignitaries after receiving the final Tri-Services Guard of Honour.
(Photo: Youtube Screenshot/President of India)
PM Narendra Modi Leaves Venue After Presidential Ceremonies
PM Narendra Modi left the venue as former President ram Nath Kovind received the final Tri-Services Guard of Honour and officially left the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Watershed Moment for India: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu on taking oath as the 15th President of India.
"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 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.
‘Your Tenure Will Take Pride of Country to New Heights’: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated President Murmu and said in a tweet in Hindi, "I am sure that your tenure will take the pride of the country to new heights."
'Quintessential Symbol of Women Empowerment’: Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in a tweet in Hindi, "The quintessential symbol of women empowerment, Draupadi Murmu ji was honored as the 15th mother of India. Hearty congratulations on being sworn in as President."
‘Unflinching Commitment To Inclusive Democracy’: EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar congratulated President Murmu and said in a tweet, "Congratulate Honourable President Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji on taking oath as the 15th President of India. A day, so historic in many ways, that reaffirms our unflinching commitment to inclusive democracy."
‘Wish You All the Very Best’: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin
Congratulating Murmu for taking over as the 15th President, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin 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."
He added that her election conveys and strengthens the nation's trust in democracy and in the principle of inclusiveness.
‘Her Speech Encapsulates Spirit of New India’: JP Nadda
BJP president JP Nadda said, "My heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji for being sworn-in as the 15th President of India. Her first address to the nation as “People’s President” encapsulated not just the significance of this truly historic moment but the spirit of New India."
'Historic Day': Goa CM Pramod Sawant
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant congratulated President Murmu and said in a tweet, "On behalf of people of Goa, I congratulate the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu ji on taking oath as the 15th President of India. I am sure your tenure shall take India to new heights. This is a historic day for the Republic of India."
‘Golden Symbol of the Rise of Women’: Uttarakhand CM Dhami
Uttarakhand Chief Minister said in a tweet in Hindi, "Hearty congratulations to respected Mrs Draupadi Murmu ji on taking oath as the President of India. Mrs Murmu ji is the golden symbol of the rise of women. The development of humanity, the creation of a new India and the fulfillment of democratic values is impossible without the contribution of women's power."
'Tribal Community Is Set To Make a New Beginning’: Union Minister Arjun Munda
Union Minister Arjun Munda said on Monday, "The first tribal woman took the oath of the President's office today. The tribal community is set to make a new beginning, with a tribal woman holding the highest office of the land. This constitutional position is above the party lines."
‘Views Expressed by a Tribal Woman Are Commendable’: Rajasthan CM
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot congratulated President Murmu and said, "Every word in her speech had a meaning. I am very impressed. The views expressed by a tribal woman are commendable. I hope she meets the commitment she made to the nation today."