New Delhi: Pranab Mukherjee has taken charge as the 13^th President of India. Mukherjee was sworn in at a ceremony held at the Central Hall of Parliament on Wednesday. Chief Justice SH Kapadia administered oath to him.

Earlier outgoing President Pratibha Patil was given the final guard of honour outside the Parliament House.

Clad in a black Shervani and Churidar, President Mukherjee in his first speech as President, said  he would be in the service of the people by rising above partisan interests. He said he was deeply moved by the high honour bestowed on him and assured that as President of India he would strive to preserve, protect and guard the constitution “not just in spirit but all across the divide of party and region”.

Prior to taking charge, Mukherjee paid tributes to the samadhis of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.