NEW DELHI, July 20 - A visibly emotional President-elect, Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said he will work towards protecting the Constitution and upholding its values, and will serve the nation to ensure happiness for all.
�This is a very emotional moment,� Kovind told reporters after being elected President of India. �This is a very big responsibility for me.�
�It is my duty to protect the Constitution and uphold its values as the President. I pay my respects to my countrymen and assure them that I�ll serve the nation in the spirit of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (May all be happy),� he said.
Recalling his childhood days, Kovind said: �It has been raining since morning in Delhi. This weather reminds me of my childhood days when I used to live in my ancestral village.�
�We lived in a kuchha house made of mud. The roof couldn�t stop the water trickles during the rainy season. I, along with my brothers and sisters, used to stand in a corner and wait for the rain to stop.�
�There could be many such Ram Nath Kovinds who are getting drenched in the rain. Many are working hard to earn their livelihood in this rain. I represent all those hardworking people. This is also a message to those who earn their livelihood with hard work and honesty,� he said.
Kovind said, �I neither thought I would be elected to this post, nor was this my aim. But my everlasting spirit to serve the society and my country has brought me here.�
�This spirit is also the tradition of our country. My election to the post of President reflects the greatness of Indian democracy.�
He said, �I would like to thank the people of this country, all political parties and all the public representatives.�
Kovind also thanked his rival and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, and wished well for her future. � IANS
