‘Your trust will be major strength’: Top quotes from President Droupadi Murmu’s address

Droupadi Murmu on Monday took oath as the 15th President of India at 10:15am at a ceremony in Parliament’s Central Hall in New Delhi. The former Jharkhand governor, who represented the BJP-led ruling NDA in the July 18 presidential polls, defeated joint opposition’s candidate, ex-Union minister Yashwant Sinha, securing 64% of the total valid votes. The counting of votes was held on July 21.

Also read: Who are Santhals, tribe Droupadi Murmu belongs to?

Murmu, who is the first tribal and second woman to hold the nation’s highest constitutional office, was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. She succeeds Ram Nath Kovind, whose five-year-term ended on Sunday.

Also read: Droupadi Murmu takes oath as the 15th President of India

Here are Droupadi Murmu’s top 5 quotes from her first address as President:

• My elevation as President is not just my achievement but that of everyone in the country, that they can dream of reaching this level

• Every poor person, every marginalised person has blessed me in this step and I feel honoured. I want to assure women and the youth that their interests are most important to me

• Standing in 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

• My election is proof that the poor in India can dream and make them come true.

• I want to tell the youth, don’t just focus on your future but also lay the foundation of the country’s future. As President, you have my full support.