India’s first tribal woman Droupadi Murmu on Monday took oath as the 15th President of India.

In her first address as President at the Central Hall of Parliament, President Murmu said, “The country has elected me as the President at a crucial time when we are celebrating the nectar festival of our freedom. A few days from today, the country will complete 75 years of its independence.”

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“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 added.

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

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Murmu was welcomed by the outgoing President Kovinds who offered her a bouquet. He then escorted her to the Presidential study for a brief meeting.

Murmu also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation, at Raj Ghat.

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Murmu, 64, is also India’s youngest President. She had scripted history by becoming the first person from the tribal community to occupy India’s top constitutional post after she bagged 64% votes of the electoral college to defeat Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha.

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She got 2824 first preference votes, valued at 6,76,803 votes, while Sinha had only managed to get 1,877 first preference votes, valued at 3,80,177.