Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, July 25, 2002
Missile Man Sworn in as New President of India
A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, father of India's missile program, was sworn in on Thursday as India's 12th president since its independence from British rule in 1947.
A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, father of India's missile program, was sworn in on Thursday as India's 12th president since its independence from British rule in 1947.
Chief Justice administered the taken-over ceremony for Kalam inthe Central Hall of Parliament at an impressive function, which telecast live across the country.
Kalam, who was escorted to the Central Hall by outgoing President K.R.Narayanan, was welcomed by Vice President Krishan Kant and Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi.
The swearing in ceremony was witnessed among others by India's Prime Minister A.B.Vajpayee, Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi andother top cabinet ministers and members of Parliament.
About 100 children from a school in Tamil Nadu run by Kalam attended the ceremony. Some of Kalam's relatives from his native town of Rameshwaram were also present.
Earlier, India's Home Secretary Kamal Pande read out the communication from the Election Commission about the new President's election.
After the swearing in function, Kalam drove in state escorted by the President's Body Guard to the President House where he was given a guard of honor.