Droupadi Murmu, India’s youngest and first Santal president, sworn in

Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as India's first president from the tribal community at the iconic central hall of parliament in New Delhi today (July 25, 2022), capping an extraordinary journey from a humble beginning in the eastern state of Odisha to the highest constitutional office.

Murmu (64), belonging to the Santal community, was administered the oath of office by India's Chief Justice N V Ramanna. She became the youngest president in 75 years of history of independent India, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

She is the 15th President of India and the second woman head of state after Pratibha Patil.

Murmu succeeds Ram Nath Kovind whose five-year-term ended on yesterday (July 24).

Addressing top dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former president Ram Nath Kovind and opposition leader Sonia Gandhi, Murmu said her origin in a small village of Odisha's Mayurbhanj district to the highest office of the country represnts the greatness of India and its democracy.

Ahead of her swearing in, Droupadi Murmu, who is now the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, paid floral tributes at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat

Earlier, she reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which will be her home and office for the next five years, in the morning where she was welcomed by Kovind and his wife Savita with a bouquet.