Prez Pranab Mukherjee assures to be 'impartial'

New Delhi, Jul 25:

has taken oath as the 13th

of India and will embark on a momentous journey after more than four decades in active politics. He was administered the oath by Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia in the Central Hall of Parliament at 11.30 am.

After the official protocol associated with the swearing-in of the President of India, Pranab made his first speech as the President of India. He started off his speech with assuring that he will "protect and defend our Constitution not just in letter but also in spirit." He also added that he will be impartial as the President of the country.

Going back to his roots where poverty and economic disparity was the order of the day, Pranab in his moving speech highlighted the great famine in Bengal and said that the poor must feel that they are part of rising India. Commenting on the issue he said, "Trickle down theories do not address legitimate aspirations of the poor. We must erase poverty from the dictionary of modern India."

He also took the opportunity to laud the services of the armed forces and said, "I am proud of the valour, conviction and steely determination of our armed forces and brave police forces."

OneIndia News