Pranab sworn in as President

The 76-year-old leader, who is the first leader from Bengal to become President, was administered the oath of office to "preserve, protect and defend the constitution and law" by Chief Justice of India Sarosh Homi Kapadia at an impressive ceremony in the historic Central Hall of Parliament.

The veteran leader, who had played significant roles in government, party and Parliament in his long political career, took the oath in English in the name of God to a thunderous applause and thumping of desks by those in the packed Central Hall.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, Speaker Meira Kumar, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and outgoing President Pratibha Patil, Cabinet Ministers, leaders of opposition, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Governors, Chief Ministers, MPs and diplomats were present in the ceremony.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who announced her party's support to Mukherjee at the last moment, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose party JD(U) broke ranks with NDA, also attended the function.

Shortly after he assumed office, it was announced that Omita Paul, his long-time aide, was appointed as Secretary to the President.

In his brief acceptance address, he said the principal responsibility of this office is to function as the guardian of the Constitution. (More)