Constitution my sacred text, Parliament my temple: Pranab in final address

Ram Nath Kovind will replace him as the 14th President of the nation

Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the nation one last time. In his address he stated that he was indebted to the love and kindness of the people he received in the past five years.

He said, "I congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the President-to-be and wish him success and happiness in the years to come." 

"But I have no sermon to make. For the past fifty years of my public life, — My sacred text has been the Constitution of India; My temple has been the Parliament of India; and My passion has been the service of the people of India," he added.

Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the nation one last time. In his addresss he stated that he was indebted to the love and kindness of the people he received in the past five years.

ALSO READ: Full text of Pranab Mukherjee last address to the nation

He said, "I congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the President-to-be and wish him success and happiness in the years to come." 

"But I have no sermon to make. For the past fifty years of my public life, — My sacred text has been the Constitution of India; My temple has been the Parliament of India; and My passion has been the service of the people of India," he added.

Speaking on violence, he said that at the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust. We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal. Only a non-violent society can ensure the participation of all sections of the people, especially the marginalised and the dispossessed in the democratic process.The powerr of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a compassionate and caring society.

7:48 PM

Thank you. Jai Hind.

7:45 PM

When I speak to you tomorrow, it will not be as the President but as a citizen– a pilgrim like all of you in India’s onward march towards glory.

7:44 PM

Words can't adequately express the gratitude that I have for people: Pranab Mukherjee

7:43 PM

During my five years in Rashtrapati Bhawan, we found happiness in and we leant to smile and connect with nature: Pranab Mukherjee

7:42 PM

Eradication of poverty will lead to increase in happiness: Pranab Mukherjee

7:41 PM

Financial inclusion is very important for equal society: Pranab Mukherjee

7:41 PM

For us, creation of an inclusive society is very necessary: Pranab Mukherjee

7:40 PM

Our education system must accept disruption as a norm and prepare our students for it: Pranab Mukherjee

7:39 PM

We all have to act now to save the environment: Pranab Mukherjee

7:39 PM

When greed exceeds need, nature unleashes its fury: Pranab Mukherjee

7:38 PM

Protection of the environment is necessary for our survival: Pranab Mukherjee

7:38 PM

At the heart of the violence is darkness and fear: Pranab Mukherjee

7:36 PM

Fellow citizens, as one advances in years, so does one's propensity to sermonise. But I have no sermons to make: Pranab Mukherjee

7:36 PM

My sacred text has been the Constitution, my temple has been Parliament, my passion has been the service of the people of India: Pranab Mukherjee

7:35 PM

I knew I would be judged by the critical lense of the history: Pranab Mukherjee