I am glad to welcome you all to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Let me first congratulate each one of you on joining the Indian Foreign Service! I can feel your enthusiasm and dreams. You must be impatient to step out and make your mark. I appreciate your attitude because that is what is going to transform India.

I am delighted to be here today in the inauguration of St. Joseph’s University. It must be a moment of pride for each one of you as your Institution has rendered continuous service in the field of education over the last 140 years. With a modest beginning as a college in 1882, today the college has emerged as a leading institution. I have been told that the institution has been maintaining high standard which is praiseworthy. It is in the fitness of things that your institution has been granted the status of a university.

I am delighted to be among you all on this momentous occasion. It is indeed a historic moment not only for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), but also for the whole country to have a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture Cryogenic and Semi-cryogenic Engines. I am told that it will cater to the needs of the Indian Space Programs, thereby adding to the many achievements of our country. I congratulate all the people associated with this prestigious project.

I welcome all the participants of the 62nd National Defence College Course to Rashtrapati Bhavan. I also extend a warm welcome to the Commandant and Faculty members of this prestigious course.

The National Defence College has a rich tradition of training senior professionals from military and civil service background in the fields of strategic security. I congratulate the NDC for continuing this tradition. I am told that this Course is in its 62nd year. The prestige associated with this course has been consistent in the past half a century for which it deserves appreciation.

I am happy to be here with you today on this historical occasion. It is historical not only for the IIT Delhi, but also for the whole country. All the teachers, students and administrators, past and present, deserve rich tributes for raising the bar of educational excellence. Indeed, their contribution was duly recognised in 2018 when the Government named it as an Institution of Eminence.

My dear young friends,

I feel very happy to be with your group consisting of IAS Officers of 2020 batch.

I extend a warm welcome to all of you at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I also congratulate each one of you for having reached a milestone in your life from where you are heading towards your future-destinations.

My dear fellow citizens,

Namaskar!

Johar!

Namaskar!

I express my heartfelt gratitude to all Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies for electing me to the highest Constitutional post of India.

Your vote for me is an expression of the faith of crores of citizens of the country.

I humbly greet all the fellow citizens from this sacred Parliament, a symbol of the hopes, aspirations and rights of all the citizens of India.

Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities.