New Delhi: India’s 14th President Ram Nath Kovind completed his tenure on Monday and handed over the reins to Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a heartfelt letter to the former President expressing gratitude on behalf of the nation for his ‘outstanding service as the President’ and for a long and distinguished career in public life’.
In his letter, PM Modi touched upon President Kovind’s humble background and his journey from a small village in the heartland to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of Independence, your remarkable personal journey, from small village deep the heartland our country Rashtrapati Bhavan, has been parable for our country’s evolution and development, and an inspiration for our society,” PM Modi wrote.
“Through your and career, you have persevered with determination and dignity, with deep commitment the morality and integrity that at the core the Indian ethos, and the highest regard and responsibility towards the principles our Constitution,” he added.
The Prime Minister also hailed President Kovind’s calm approach during the testing times of the COVID pandemic.
“As the Head of State at a time of unprecedented stress of the pandemic and a world caught in turbulence and conflict, you were a source of calmness, unity and reassurance at home, and a persuasive advocate of India’s values and interests abroad,” PM Modi said.
“Even as you reached the highest office in our land, you remained firmly and proudly rooted in its soil and connected with the people – happy in their company, sensitive to their problems, perceptive about their expectations, and acutely aware of the needed change. You were a steadfast and passionate champion of social transformation and inclusion, speaking for the poor, the historically excluded and oppressed, and the marginalised, with special attention to the status and role of women, PM Modi added.
FULL LETTER
Ram Nath Kovind was the 14th President of India who successfully completed his tenure on July 25, 2022.