Dalit leader Kovind sworn in as India's president

Published July 25, 2017
Incoming Indian president Ram Nath Kovind (2R) and outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee arrive ahead of the oath-taking ceremony at the Indian Parliament in New Delhi.─AFP
Incoming Indian president Ram Nath Kovind (2R) and outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee arrive ahead of the oath-taking ceremony at the Indian Parliament in New Delhi.─AFP

Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in as India's president on Tuesday, becoming just the second leader from the oppressed Dalit community to be elected head of state.

A former lawyer and state governor, Kovind was elected to the largely ceremonial position last week with more than 65 per cent of the vote by members of India's parliament and state assemblies.

Kovind, accompanied by his wife, paid respects early Tuesday at a memorial dedicated to India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi.

“I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also,” Kovind said after taking the oath of office in parliament.

“For all its problems, it (nation) follows that basic mantra given to us in the preamble of the constitution ─ of ensuring justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra.”

The 71-year-old was nominated by the ruling right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party in a move analysts say would help Prime Minister Narendra Modi tighten his grip on power and gain political capital ahead of his re-election bid in 2019.

Kovind has said he will use his position to improve the lot of Dalits, a marginalised 200-million strong community once known as “untouchables” and ranked among India's poorest.

“Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique... We are so different yet so similar and united,” Kovind said.

India's prime minister wields executive power, but the president can send back some parliamentary bills for reconsideration and also plays a guiding role in the process of forming governments.

Kovind is the second Dalit president after K. R. Narayan, who held the post for five years from 1997.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...