New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) Congratulating President-elect Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said: "India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President! Congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on this feat."
"Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden."
Lauding Murmu as lawmaker, Modi said: "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand Governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey."
"I would like to thank all those MPs and MLAs across party lines who have supported the candidature of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her record victory augurs well for our democracy."
Current President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his warm wishes on Murmu's win via a Twitter post.
Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 21, 2022
It wasn't just Prime Minister Modi who congratulated Murmu. World renowned Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday also congratulated the new President-elect Droupadi Murmu.
In a letter to Murmu to congratulate her, His Holiness wrote: "You are assuming this august position at a time when the international community is becoming ever more aware of the importance of India, which has much to contribute to the peace and development of the world.
"I have a deep respect for India and, as the longest staying guest of the government of India. I have had the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the country. For thousands of years India has upheld the principles of 'karuna' and 'ahimsa' and Mahatma Gandhi made the principle of non-violence spread far and wide.
"It has the potential to engender peace within individuals and the world at large. As it is, India is the land of religious harmony, with so many different communities living together here.
"I often describe myself as a son of India because my entire way of thinking has been shaped by the Buddhist training I have received. As you may know, Tibetan Buddhist culture is firmly rooted in the traditions of reasoning and analysis developed by the scholar-adepts of Nalanda University."
"Today," the Nobel Peace laureate continued, "although modern education has significant value, its focus is materialistic. It needs to be balanced by creating greater awareness and interest in ancient Indian knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions. People could learn to develop emotional hygiene, which entails tackling their destructive emotions and finding peace of mind.
"In this respect, India is best placed to combine the two. I am committed to continuing this effort to create greater awareness and interest of this treasure, particularly the power of compassion, among Indian brothers and sisters, and also to share it with the world."
"As you may be aware," he added, "the Tibetan people and I have been honoured to receive the unparalleled support of the government and people of India in our endeavour to protect and preserve our identity, including our ancient Buddhist culture. I would like to take this opportunity once again to express our deep gratitude through you, to the government and the people of India, for the warm hospitality we have been granted for more than six decades."
His Holiness expressed confidence that the new President will do whatever she can to consolidate India's strengths and provide a lead in working to develop a more peaceful world, inspired by the treasures of India's ancient wisdom.
He concluded by offering his prayers and good wishes.
