- Wednesday, March 12, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
ON the eve of demitting the office of the Indian president Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday (24) urged citizens to contemplate Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings at least for a few minutes every day.
In his farewell address to the nation, Kovind, who was succeeded by Droupadi Murmu as India’s 15th president, said, “Five years ago, you had reposed immense trust in me, and chose me as the President of India through your elected representatives. As I demit my office at the end of my term, I wish to share a few ideas with you all. I have been inspired and energised by my interactions with citizens during my visits across the country.”
“Farmers and workers from small villages, teachers shaping young minds, artists enriching our legacy, scholars investigating various facets of our country, businesspeople creating wealth for the nation, doctors and nurses serving the people, scientists and engineers engaged in nation-building, judges and advocates contributing to the justice delivery system of the country, civil servants who run the administration smoothly, our social workers actively connecting every social segment with development, preachers and masters of all sects who maintain the flow of spirituality in Indian society – you all have continuously helped me discharge my duties. In short, I received full cooperation, support and blessings from all sections of society,” he said.
Delhi | Tri-Services Guard of Honour presented to former President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan pic.twitter.com/cbd4P6RVJ8
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2022
Kovind said he would cherish the occasions when he had an opportunity to meet brave jawans of the armed forces, paramilitary forces and the police.
Mentioning his visits abroad, Kovind said he found the love and concern for the homeland among Indian diaspora very touching.
Remebering his childhood memories, Kovind said, “When I was growing up in a small village, the nation had only recently achieved independence. There was a fresh wave of energy to rebuild the country; there were new dreams. I too had a dream, that one day I would be able to participate in a meaningful way in this nation-building exercise. A young boy living in a mud house could not have any idea about the highest Constitutional office of the Indian Republic.
“But it is the testament to the strength of India’s democracy that it has created pathways to let each citizen take part in the shaping of our collective destiny. If that Ram Nath Kovind from village Paraunkh is addressing you today, it is solely thanks to the inherent power of our vibrant democratic institutions,” he added.
Kovind said among the most memorable moments of his life have been visiting his home during his term and touching the feet of his teachers at Kanpur to seek their blessings.
He said connection with our roots has been the essence of India and urged the younger generation to continue the tradition of staying connected with their village or town, their schools and teachers.
“We have indeed come a long way from the days of shortages of resources. We are working with the objective of providing better housing, and access to drinking water and electricity for every family. This change has been made possible by the momentum of development and good governance which knows no discrimination,” he said.
Kovind vacated the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian head of state, after Murmu was sworn in as his successor. Before his final departure, Koving received the tri-services guard of honour for one final time.
Kovind and his wife Savita will now reside at 12 Janpath in capital New Delhi. Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Indian opposition party Indian National Congress who resides at 10 Janpath, will the neighbour of the former first couple.
[With ANI inputs]
