Diversity key to India’s success: President Ram Nath Kovind

NEW DELHI: The key to India’s success is its diversity, Ram Nath Kovind said in his first address after taking over as the country’s 14th President on Tuesday. “Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique… We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society.”

The 71-year-old leader began the day by paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kovind, accompanied by his wife, met outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, who was waiting for them in the study. Pranab and his successor drove down Raisina Hill to the Central Hall of Parliament in a black limousine. After the oath-taking ceremony, Kovind met leaders in the Central Hall before leaving for Rashtrapati Bhavan.