Droupadi Murmu, India’s first tribal president, says, “Johar, Namaskar.”

Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation after taking office as India’s 15th president, saying it was an honour to lead the country as it celebrated its 75th anniversary of independence.

The first president to be born in independent India, she said, was herself. “My election symbolises the greatness of India, the mother of democracy,” she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the President well during her term, calling Murmu’s swearing-in ceremony a “watershed moment for India, especially for the poor, marginalised, and underprivileged.”

Murmu is the first member of a tribe to hold the nation’s top constitutional position. In front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers, Chief Justice of India N V Ramana swore Murmu in.