The 76-year old veteran of many political battles took over as the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces.
New Delhi: Pranab Mukherjee took oath as the 13th President of the India on Wednesday. Mukherjee was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia in the Central Hall of Parliament at 11.30 AM.
The oath said: “I, Pranab Mukherjee, do swear in the name of God that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Republic of India, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law, and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of the Republic of India.”
Mukherjee exchanged chairs with President Patil – the first woman Head of State of the country after taking his oath. President Mukherjee was then given a 21-gun salute.
Addressing the gathering in the Central Hall, Mukherjee said he was deeply moved by the high honour. “I will protect and defend our Constitution not just in letter but also in spirit and I will stay impartial as President” he said.