New India will be built through ideas of Sree Narayana Guru, says President

NEW DELHI: New India will be built through the ideas of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, said President Ram Nath Kovind in his customary address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament in the historic Central Hall. The ideas of Rabindranath Tagore would be adhered and a new India would be built. In his speech, he rendered the caste discrimination shlokas of Sree Narayana Guru. The President said Guru's ideas shed light on the government.

The people of India have given a mandate to continue with the country's development journey that started in 2014, he said. The government is moving ahead to create a strong, secure and inclusive India.

In his customary address after formation of the 17th Lok Sabha, the President also said that government has started a pension scheme to help farmers and small traders live a life of dignity.

Congratulating the Election Commission and crores of officials and security personnel involved in holding the general elections, he pointed out that over 61 crore people voted in the Lok Sabha polls, creating a record.

He said women came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

He said a record 78 women have been elected as members of the Lok Sabha -- the highest ever and almost half of the elected members are first timers.

"In this election, the people of the country gave a clear mandate. After the assessment of the government's first tenure, the people have given it a bigger mandate this time," he said.

He said, by doing so, the people have given a mandate to accelerate the development process initiated in 2014.