Ram Nath Kovind, a low-profile politician, took over as the 14th President of India.

Kovind, who was on Thursday elected as the 14th President of India after defeating opposition nominee Meira Kumar, took oath as the President of India at a ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament on Tuesday.

Kovind was administered oath by Chief Jusitce of India J. S. Khehar.

Kovind, along with his wife Savita Kovind, visited the Rajghat in the morning at 10:30 AM  to pay his respect to Mahatma Gandhi.

From Rajghat, Kovind was escorted by the military secretary to President to Rashtrapathi Bhavan where he met former President Pranab Mukherjee for the first time since his election.

Mukherjee and Kovind had a one-on-one discussion on important files and policies related to defence, external affairs and finance.  

Both of them then left for the Central Hall in a ceremonial procession. They were received by at the Parliament by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Vice President Hamid Ansari.

After taking the oath, Kovind exchanged seats with Mukherjee. A 21-gun salute was also given in his honour.

This was followed by the acceptance speech of Ram Nath Kovind.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, Ambassadors and other diplomats, MPs and senior civil and military officers were among those present.

After the ceremony ends, the new President will leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan and Mukherjee will give him a tour of the official residence.

After the tour, Kovind will drop off Pranab Mukherjee at his new residence — 10, Rajaji Marg.