India scripts history as Draupadi Murmu becomes first tribal, youngest President of country

New Delhi: Droupadi Murmu takes oath as the President of India, the highest constitutional post of the country, followed by a 21-gun salute. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana administered the oath of office of the President to her.

Addressing the nation, Murmu said she is the first President to be born in independent India and that her nomination is evidence that the poor in India can not only dream but also fulfill those dreams. Also, talking about women empowerment, she said, "I want all sisters and daughters to be empowered more as they continue to increase their contribution in every field."

President-elect Murmu, 64, scripted history on Thursday after defeating opposition presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha to become the first tribal and the second woman to hold the top constitutional post.

Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to wish President Droupadi Murmu for a fruitful tenure. "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.

"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," the Prime Minister said in another tweet.