NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind emerged as the clear winner with 65.66% votes in his favour. Coming from a Dalit family in a small Kanpur village, the President-elect recalls his roots and talks about his future responsibilities as the holder of the highest office in the country
Emerging as the clear winner in the Presidential elections, a modest President-elect Ram Nath Kovind said, he will protect the Constitution and uphold its values, and will serve the nation in the spirit of 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' (Let all be happy).
Describing his election as a very emotional moment, Kovind said, "I have been entrusted with a very big responsibility... I pay my respects to my countrymen and assure them that I'll serve the nation in the spirit of 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah'."
Referring to the day-long rain in Delhi, Kovind recalled his childhood memories of waiting for the rain to end in his kuchcha mud hut in Paraunkh village of Kanpur Dehat.
"The thatched roof couldn't stop the water during monsoon. I, along with my brothers and sisters, used to stand in a corner and wait for the rain to stop," he said.
"There are many Ram Nath Kovinds who are getting wet in the rain, working hard in the fields for one square meal. I represent all of those hard working people. This is also a message to those who earn their livelihood with hard work and honesty," he said.
Kovind said, he never thought he would be elected as president nor was it his aim, but the everlasting spirit to serve the society automatically brought him here.
"This spirit is also the tradition of our country. My election to the post of president reflects the greatness of Indian democracy," said Kovind thanking all countrymen, political parties and all the public representatives.
He also thanked his rival and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and wished her well for the future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar were the first ones to congratulate Kovind at Sharma's residence. Keeping up with Kovind's modest personality all three presented him with a rose and an Angavastram.
In a series of tweets, PM Modi thanked the members of the electoral college for extending support to Kovind.
"Gladdened by the extensive support for Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji among MPs & across various states. I thank members of the electoral college," he tweeted.
Later, Kovind came out in the garden to receive bouquets from a beeline of ministers, MPs of the ruling party and other well wishers.
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