New President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday promised to uphold the values of justice, independence and equality shortly after he was sworn in as 14th President of India, pledging to protect and uphold the Constitution.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Kovind said that “We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar” He held that the nation must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India. He said that “this is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities”

Mr. Kovind offered his respects and floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat prior to the swearing ceremony. Later, a procession arrived from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to take him for the oath-taking ceremony. Mr. Kovind along with his wife Mrs.Savita, met Pranab Mukherjee at the presidential palace.

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned to allow the Union ministers to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of the President.

The Union government has appointed Sanjay Kothari as the Secretary of the new President. Gujarat’s Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, Bharat Lal has been appointed as the Joint Secretary. Senior Journalist Ashok Malik will be the Press Secretary of the first citizen.

It may be noted that NDA’s candidate Mr.Kovind defeated UPA candidate Ms. Meira Kumar in the presidential election 2017 with an overwhelming majority. Mr. Kovind’s daughter Ms. Swati, is an air hostess with Air India. His son Mr. Prashant, is an owner of a petrol pump.