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'{{short description|14th and current President of India}} {{Update|part=List of international trips as president|talk=List of International Visits|reason=The list is missing some of the International Visits made during his Presidency|date=April 2021}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Ram Nath Kovind | order = 14th | office = President of India | image = Ram Nath Kovind official portrait.jpg | caption = Official portrait, 2017 | alt = Head shot of Kovind smiling. He is wearing a blue suit jacket. | predecessor = [[Pranab Mukherjee]] | primeminister = [[Narendra Modi]] | vicepresident = {{Ubl|[[Mohammad Hamid Ansari]]|[[M. Venkaiah Naidu]]}} | 1blankname1 = Chief Minister | 1namedata1 = [[Nitish Kumar]] | order1 = 26th | office1 = Governor of Bihar | predecessor1 = [[Keshari Nath Tripathi]] | successor1 = [[Keshari Nath Tripathi]] | office2 = [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]] | constituency2 = [[Uttar Pradesh]] | term_start2 = 3 April 1994 | term_end2 = 2 April 2006 | predecessor2 = [[Subramanian Swamy]] | successor2 = [[Vinay Katiyar]] | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1945|10|1|df=y}}<ref name="Profile of the President">{{cite web |title=The President of India |url=https://presidentofindia.nic.in/profile.htm |website=presidentofindia.gov.in |publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]] |access-date=19 July 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | birth_place = Paraunkh, [[United Provinces (1937–50)|United Provinces]], [[British India]] (present-day [[Kanpur Dehat district]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]) | spouse = {{marriage|[[Savita Kovind]]|1974}} | residence = [[Rashtrapati Bhawan]], [[New Delhi]], [[Delhi]], India | children = 2 | signature = | nationality = [[India]]n | alma_mater = [[Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University|Kanpur University]] | education = [[B.Com.]], [[LL.B.]] | term_start = 25 July 2017<ref name="Profile of the President"/> | term_end = | term_start1 = 16 August 2015 | term_end1 = 20 June 2017 | party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] }} '''Ram Nath Kovind''' (born 1 October 1945) is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current [[president of India]] since his inauguration in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/watch-full-text-of-ram-nath-kovinds-speech-on-his-assumption-of-office-as-president-of-india-3853643.html|title=Ram Nath Kovind takes oath: In inaugural speech, president outlines vision for India as world leader|date=25 July 2017|work=Firstpost|access-date=2 August 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802214357/http://www.firstpost.com/india/watch-full-text-of-ram-nath-kovinds-speech-on-his-assumption-of-office-as-president-of-india-3853643.html|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> He is also the first person from [[Uttar Pradesh]] to serve as [[President of India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/president-kovind-to-visit-native-village-by-special-train/article34936997.ece |title=President revisits native village in Uttar Pradesh|archive-date=27 June 2021 }}</ref> Prior to his presidency, he served as the [[List of Governors of Bihar|26th]] [[governor of Bihar]] from 2015 to 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=http://presidentofindia.nic.in/press-release-detail.htm?2993 |title=Press Releases Detail&nbsp;– The President of India |website=presidentofindia.nic.in |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/ |archive-date=27 August 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ram Nath Kovind resigns as Bihar Governor|title=Ram Nath Kovind resigns as Bihar Governor|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ram-nath-kovind-resigns-as-bihar-governor/article19108472.ece?homepage=true|access-date=20 June 2017|agency=The Hindu|date=20 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008160043/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ram-nath-kovind-resigns-as-bihar-governor/article19108472.ece?homepage=true|archive-date=8 October 2017}}</ref> and as a [[member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]] from 1994 to 2006. Before entering politics, he was a lawyer for 16 years and practiced in the [[Delhi High Court]] and the [[Supreme Court of India]] until 1993.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind is NDA nominee for President|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ram-nath-kovind-bihar-governor-is-bjps-nominee-for-president/article19102980.ece|access-date=23 July 2017|agency=The Hindu|work=The Hindu|date=19 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624084504/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ram-nath-kovind-bihar-governor-is-bjps-nominee-for-president/article19102980.ece|archive-date=24 June 2017}}</ref> == Early life and education == Ram Nath Kovind was born to Maiku Lal and Kalawati on 1 October 1945, in [[Kanpur Dehat district|Paraunkh]] village in the [[Kanpur Dehat district|Kanpur Dehat]] district of [[Uttar Pradesh]], as the youngest of five brothers and two sisters.{{cn|date=September 2021}} His father ran a shop and was also a farmer and a local [[vaidya]]. His mother was a homemaker. Kovind was born in a mud hut, which eventually collapsed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://khabar.ndtv.com/news/india/president-election-2017-ground-report-celebration-at-ramnath-kovinds-house-1727150|title=कानपुर से ग्राउंड रिपोर्ट : रामनाथ कोविंद के गांव में जश्न, लोग गा रहे हैं- मेरे बाबा की भई सरकार|access-date=24 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721050114/https://khabar.ndtv.com/news/india/president-election-2017-ground-report-celebration-at-ramnath-kovinds-house-1727150|archive-date=21 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hebbar|first=Nistula|date=20 July 2017|title=Ram Nath Kovind's long journey to Raisina Hill|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ram-nath-kovind-from-a-low-profile-political-career-to-the-highest-office/article19318301.ece|access-date=11 September 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mohan|first=Archis|date=21 July 2017|title=Ram Nath Kovind's journey from mud house to Rashtrapati Bhavan|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ram-nath-kovind-s-journey-from-mud-house-to-rashtrapati-bhavan-117072100079_1.html|access-date=11 September 2020}}</ref> He was only five when his mother died of burns when their thatched dwelling caught fire. Kovind later donated the land to the community.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 July 2017|title=Ram Nath Kovind's journey from a leaking mud-house to the palatial Rashtrapati Bhavan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/president-elect-ram-nath-kovind-emotional-1025425-2017-07-20|access-date=11 September 2020|work=India Today|language=en}}</ref> He was born into the [[Koli people|Koli]] family of Kanpur.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Doshi|first=Vidhi|date=2017-07-20|title=India’s new president rose from poverty to high office|language=en-US|work=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/indias-new-president-rose-from-poverty-to-high-office/2017/07/20/90955ab8-6d39-11e7-8961-ec5f3e1e2a5c_story.html|access-date=2021-12-13|issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=CNN|first=Huizhong Wu|title=Man from India's lowest caste elected president|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/20/asia/kovind-india-dalit-president/index.html|access-date=2021-12-13|website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-06-24|title=Kovind to tour states to drum up support|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/618928/kovind-tour-states-drum-up.html|access-date=2021-12-13|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=IANS|date=2017-07-21|title=From UP village to Rashtrapati Bhavan: Prez-elect Kovind's journey|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/from-up-village-to-rashtrapati-bhavan-prez-elect-kovind-s-journey-117072001424_1.html|access-date=2021-12-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kovind: A choice thrown up by Dalit Hindutva interface|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jun/21/kovind-a-choice-thrown-up-by-dalit-hindutva-interface-1619013.html|access-date=2021-12-13|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-05|title=RamNath Kovind Biography (Jivani) (14th President of India) {{!}} रामनाथ कोविंद जीवनी|url=https://pmjandhanyojana.co.in/ram-nath-kovind-jivani-bjps-president-%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%a8%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a5-%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%8b%e0%a4%b5%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%82%e0%a4%a6/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=PM Jan Dhan Yojana|language=en-US}}</ref> After his elementary school education, he had to walk each day to Kanpur village, {{Convert|8|km|abbr=on}} away, to attend junior school, as nobody in the village had a bicycle.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.india.com/news/india/nda-presidential-nominee-ram-nath-kovind-would-walk-8-km-daily-for-school-2252102/|title=NDA Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind would walk 8 km daily for school|last=Tiwari|first=Vaibhav|date=20 June 2017|work=India.com|access-date=25 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730004336/http://www.india.com/news/india/nda-presidential-nominee-ram-nath-kovind-would-walk-8-km-daily-for-school-2252102/|archive-date=30 July 2017}}</ref> He holds a [[Bachelor's degree|bachelor's]] degree in [[commerce]] and an [[Bachelor of Laws|LLB]] from [[DAV College, Kanpur|DAV College]] (affiliated with [[Kanpur University]]).<ref name=":et">{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ram-nath-kovind-a-crusader-for-the-rights-of-weaker-sections/articleshow/59218717.cms|title=Ram Nath Kovind: A crusader for the rights of weaker sections|last=PTI|date=19 June 2017|work=The Economic Times|access-date=19 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|archive-date=27 August 2017}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-governor-ram-nath-kovind-10-facts-about-ndas-presidential-nominee/articleshow/59216836.cms|title=Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind: 10 facts about NDA's Presidential nominee&nbsp;– Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=19 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|archive-date=27 August 2017}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://governor.bih.nic.in/Governor.htm|title=Governor of Bihar|website=governor.bih.nic.in|access-date=20 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703104500/http://governor.bih.nic.in/Governor.htm|archive-date=3 July 2017}}</ref> == Early career == [[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils plaques for railway bridges in Bihar.jpg|thumb|Governor Kovind at a function with Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] opening a bridge in [[Bihar]], 2016.]] === Advocate === After graduating in law from [[DAV College, Kanpur]], Kovind went to [[Delhi]] to prepare for the civil services examination. He passed this exam on his third attempt, He scored high enough to work in an allied service rather than in [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] and thus started practising law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/know-about-bjps-presidential-candidate-ram-nath-kovind-in-10-points/articleshow/59217524.cms|title=What you should know about BJP's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind|last=PTI|date=19 June 2017|via=The Economic Times|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170718010346/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/know-about-bjps-presidential-candidate-ram-nath-kovind-in-10-points/articleshow/59217524.cms|archive-date=18 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kovind enrolled as an advocate in 1971 with the bar council of [[Delhi]]. He was Central Government Advocate in the Delhi High Court from 1977 to 1979. Between 1977 and 1978, he also served as the personal assistant of [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Morarji Desai]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ram-nath-kovind-a-lawyer-who-cracked-civils-but-lost-2-elections/articleshow/59226467.cms|title=Ram Nath Kovind, a lawyer who cracked civils but lost 2 elections&nbsp;– Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170718010835/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ram-nath-kovind-a-lawyer-who-cracked-civils-but-lost-2-elections/articleshow/59226467.cms|archive-date=18 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1978, he became an advocate-on-record of the [[Supreme Court of India]] and served as a standing counsel for the [[Central Government|central government]] in the [[Supreme Court of India]] from 1980 to 1993. He practised in the [[Delhi High Court]] and Supreme Court until 1993. As an advocate, he provided [[pro-bono]] aid to weaker sections of society, women and the poor under the Free Legal Aid Society of [[New Delhi]].<ref name=":et" /> === Start of political career === He joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|Bhartiya Janata Party]] (BJP) in 1991.<ref name=":3" /> He was the president of the BJP Dalit Morcha between 1998 and 2002 and the president of the All-India Koli Samaj.{{when|date=July 2017}} He also served as the national spokesperson of the party.{{When|date=July 2021}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2003/01/19/stories/2003011901650400.htm|title=Enact tougher laws to prevent crimes against dalits|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004221814/http://hindu.com/2003/01/19/stories/2003011901650400.htm|archive-date=4 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 January 2003}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=July 2021}} He donated his ancestral home in Paraunkh to the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]].<ref name=":3" /> Soon after joining the BJP, he contested [[Ghatampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ghatampur]] assembly constituency, but lost and later contested [[Bhognipur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bhognipur]] in 2007 elections (both in [[Uttar Pradesh]]) assembly constituency on the BJP ticket but lost again.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ram Nath Kovind, a lawyer who cracked civils but lost 2 elections|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ram-nath-kovind-a-lawyer-who-cracked-civils-but-lost-2-elections/articleshow/59226467.cms|access-date=24 July 2017|publisher=Times of India|date=20 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170718010835/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ram-nath-kovind-a-lawyer-who-cracked-civils-but-lost-2-elections/articleshow/59226467.cms|archive-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> In 1997, Kovind, being from Kori family, joined the protest against certain orders from the [[Government of India|central government]] that had adverse effects on the [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|SC/ST]] workers. Later, three amendments were made to the [[Constitution of India|Constitution]] that revoked the orders, by the [[Second Vajpayee ministry|NDA government]] headed by [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ram Nath Kovind is BJP's choice for president: All you need to know about the Dalit leader from UP|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/ramnath-kovind-is-bjps-presidential-pick-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-dalit-leader-form-up-3712909.html|publisher=Firstpost|date=20 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724070933/http://www.firstpost.com/india/ramnath-kovind-is-bjps-presidential-pick-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-dalit-leader-form-up-3712909.html|archive-date=24 July 2017|access-date=11 March 2021}}</ref> === Rajya Sabha === He was elected and became a [[Rajya Sabha]] MP from the state of [[Uttar Pradesh]] in April 1994. He served a total of twelve years, two consecutive terms, until March 2006. As a member of parliament, he served on the [[Parliamentary Committee for Welfare of Scheduled Castes/Tribes]], [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home Affairs]], [[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Petroleum and Natural Gas]], [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|Social Justice and Empowerment]], [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Law and Justice]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}} He also served as the [[chairman of the Rajya Sabha House Committee]]. During his career as a parliamentarian, under the [[Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme]], he focused on education in rural areas by helping in construction of school buildings in [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]]. As a [[member of parliament]], he visited [[Thailand]], [[Nepal]], [[Pakistan]], [[Singapore]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[France]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]] on study tours.<ref name=":2" />{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}} === Other appointments === He has served on the Board of management of [[Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University|Dr. B.R Ambedkar University]], [[Lucknow]],{{when|date=July 2017}} and on the Board of Governors of [[IIM Calcutta]].{{when|date=July 2017}} He has also represented India at the UN and addressed the United Nations General Assembly in October 2002.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ramnath-kovind-profile/1079259|title=Ramnath Kovind Profile|date=19 June 2017|work=Outlook|access-date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|archive-date=27 August 2017|url-status=live|language=en-IN}}</ref> == Governor of Bihar (2015 - 2017)== On 8 August 2015, President [[Mukherjee]] appointed Kovind as the [[governor of Bihar]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ram-nath-kovind-acharya-dev-vrat-appointed-as-bihar-and-himachal-pradesh-governors/articleshow/48402785.cms|title=Ram Nath Kovind, Acharya Dev Vrat appointed as Bihar and Himachal Pradesh governors|last=PTI|date=8 August 2015|newspaper=The Economic Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|archive-date=27 August 2017}}</ref> On 16 August 2015, the acting Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Iqbal Ahmad Ansari, administered the oath to Kovind as the 26th governor of Bihar, in a ceremony at Raj Bhawan in Patna.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ram-nath-kovind-sworn-in-as-new-governor-of-bihar/1/458947.html|title=36th Governor of Bihar|date=16 August 2015|work=indiatoday|access-date=16 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817124935/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ram-nath-kovind-sworn-in-as-new-governor-of-bihar/1/458947.html|archive-date=17 August 2015|url-status=live|language=en-IN}}</ref> [[File:Ram Nath Kovind welcoming Pranab Mukherjee at Patna.jpg|alt=H.E the Governor of Bihar Shri Ram Nath Kovind welcoming Hon'ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Patna on 17 April 2017|thumb| Governor Ram Nath Kovind of Bihar welcoming President [[Pranab Mukherjee]] at Patna on 17 April 2017 ]] Kovind's appointment was criticised by then [[List of Chief Ministers of Bihar|Chief Minister of Bihar]] [[Nitish Kumar]] as it came months before [[2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly election|2015 state Assembly elections]] and the appointment was made without consulting the state government as recommended by [[Sarkaria Commission]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/pm-praises-new-bihar-governor-ram-nath-kovind-31860.html|title=PM Modi praises new Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind|last=PTI|date=19 August 2015|via=India TV News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|archive-date=27 August 2017}}</ref> However, Kovind's term as the governor was praised for constituting a judicial commission to investigate irregularities in promotion of undeserving teachers, mismanagement of funds and appointment of undeserving candidates in universities.<ref name=":3" /> In June 2017, when he was announced as [[2017 Indian presidential election#Candidates|candidate for presidential election]], Nitish Kumar backed his choice and praised him as being unbiased and working closely with the state government during his governorship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-nitish-kumar-praises-ram-nath-kovind-remains-mum-on-party-support-3713969.html|title=Presidential Election 2017: Nitish Kumar praises Ram Nath Kovind, remains mum on party support|last=IANS|date=19 June 2017|via=First Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729002117/http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-nitish-kumar-praises-ram-nath-kovind-remains-mum-on-party-support-3713969.html|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref> == Presidency (2017 - present) == {{Main|Presidency of Ram Nath Kovind}} === 2017 presidential campaign === {{main|2017 Indian presidential election}} After nomination for the post of 14th president of India, he resigned from his post as the [[governor of Bihar]], and the President of India, [[Pranab Mukherjee]], accepted his resignation on 20 June 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 August 2015|title=Resignation as Governor of Bihar|language=en-IN|work=firstpost|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-ram-nath-kovind-resigns-as-bihar-guv-keshari-nath-tripathi-takes-charge-3723635.html|url-status=live|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223418/http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-ram-nath-kovind-resigns-as-bihar-guv-keshari-nath-tripathi-takes-charge-3723635.html|archive-date=27 August 2017}}</ref> He won election on 20 July 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th President of India|language=en|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nda-candidate-ram-nath-kovind-is-the-14th-president-of-india/article19316904.ece|url-status=live|access-date=20 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720134017/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nda-candidate-ram-nath-kovind-is-the-14th-president-of-india/article19316904.ece|archive-date=20 July 2017}}</ref> Kovind received 65.65% of the valid votes, against former [[Speaker of the Lok Sabha]], [[Meira Kumar]], the presidential candidate of the [[United Progressive Alliance|Opposition]] who received 34.35%. Kovind received 2,930 votes (From MPs and MLAs) amounting to [[Electoral College]] votes of 702,044 (65.65%) as compared to 1,844 votes with a value of 367,314 (34.35%) votes for Meira Kumar lagging far behind with 367,314 votes, and 77 votes were invalid.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 July 2017|title=With 65 percent votes, Kovind sweeps elections|work=[[Times of India]]|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/with-65-65-percent-of-votes-nda-candidate-ram-nath-kovind-sweeps-presidential-poll/articleshow/59682784.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721124957/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/with-65-65-percent-of-votes-nda-candidate-ram-nath-kovind-sweeps-presidential-poll/articleshow/59682784.cms|archive-date=21 July 2017}}</ref> He became only the second [[Dalit]] representative to become president after [[K. R. Narayanan]], and also is the first [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] candidate with RSS background to be elected to the post.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 July 2017|title=Kovind first President from Sangh, cross-voting boosts margin|publisher=Times of India|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/india/kovind-first-president-from-sangh-cross-voting-boosts-margin/amp_articleshow/59691040.cms|url-status=live|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723104655/http://m.timesofindia.com/india/kovind-first-president-from-sangh-cross-voting-boosts-margin/amp_articleshow/59691040.cms|archive-date=23 July 2017}}</ref> The tally of votes (367,314) polled by Meira Kumar is only the second highest for a losing candidate, that of [[Neelam Sanjiva Reddy]] in the 1969 presidential elections being the highest ever; he received 405,427 votes as against 420,077 by [[V. V. Giri]], the winner.[[File:CM Naveen Patnaik receiving President Kovind from Bhubaneswar Airport.jpg|thumb|President Kovind with [[Chief Minister of Odisha]] [[Naveen Patnaik]] at [[Biju Patnaik International Airport]]]] Kovind took the oath as the 14th president of India on 25 July 2017.<ref name="it">{{Cite web|date=25 July 2017|title=Ram Nath Kovind takes oath as India's 14th President|url=http://indtoday.com/ram-nath-kovind-takes-oath-as-indias-14th-president/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728175405/http://indtoday.com/ram-nath-kovind-takes-oath-as-indias-14th-president/|archive-date=28 July 2017|access-date=16 June 2021|website=indtoday.com}}</ref> [[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind attending the ‘Vajramahothsava’ - Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Completion of 60 Years of ‘Vidhana Soudha’, at Karnataka Legislative Assembly - Session Hall, in Bangalore, Karnataka (1).jpg|thumb|The President Ram Nath Kovind attending the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Completion of 60 Years of ‘Vidhana Soudha’, at Karnataka Legislative Assembly in Bangalore, alongside the Governor of Karnataka.]] [[File:The Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice J.S. Khehar administering the oath of the office of the President of India to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at a swearing-in ceremony in the central hall of Parliament, in New Delhi.jpg|thumb|J. S. Khelar, Chief Justice of India, administering the oath of the office of the President-elect Kovind, at a swearing-in ceremony in the central hall of Parliament, in New Delhi at 2017.]] [[File:Ram Nath Kovind with Dipak Mishra.png|thumb|President Ram Nath Kovind with [[Dipak Misra]] after administering his oath as the [[Chief Justice of India]] on 28 August 2017]] [[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing the Nation on the eve of 75th Independence Day, in New Delhi on August 14, 2021.jpg|thumb|The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing the Nation on the eve of 75th Independence Day, in New Delhi on August 14, 2021.]] [[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind meeting the President of Nepal, Ms. Bidya Devi Bhandari, in Tokyo, Japan on October 22, 2019.jpg|thumb|right|President Kovind meeting the [[President of Nepal|President of]] [[Nepal]], [[Bidhya Devi Bhandari|Bidya Devi Bhandari]], in [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] on 22 October 2019]] === List of international trips as president === Kovind made trips to 19 different countries, each for state visit. {| class="wikitable" !Year !Country !Areas Visited !Date(s) !References |- | rowspan="2" |'''2017''' |{{Flag|Djibouti}} |[[Djibouti City]] |3–4 October |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%20ID%20:171363)|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005051717/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A171363%29|archive-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%20ID%20:171389)|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005051541/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A171389%29|archive-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Ethiopia}} |[[Addis Ababa]] |5–6 October |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%20ID%20:171396)|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=5 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006012028/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A171396%29|archive-date=6 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%20ID%20:171415)|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=5 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006011844/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A171415%29|archive-date=6 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%20ID%20:171416)|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=5 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006061939/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A171416%29|archive-date=6 October 2017}}</ref> |- | rowspan="14" |'''2018''' |{{Flag|Mauritius}} |[[Port Louis]] |11–14 March |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ddinews.gov.in/national/president%C2%A0kovind-meets-mauritius-counterpart-port-louis|title=President Kovind meets Mauritius counterpart in Port Louis {{!}} DD News|website=www.ddinews.gov.in|language=en|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=177274|title=President of India reached Mauritius; Addresses students at Mahatma Gandhi Institute; says India's aspiration is for Mauritius to rise as a leading Economy and a voice for peace and stability in the entire Indian Ocean Region|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Madagascar}} |[[Antananarivo]] |14–15 March |<ref name=":0" /> |- |{{Flag|Equatorial Guinea}} |[[Malabo]] |7–9 April |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/JDOtV9NqeaQ3MUEjHNvj0H/President-Ram-Nath-Kovind-to-visit-Africa-in-bid-to-bolster.html|title=President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Africa in bid to bolster ties|last=Roche|first=Elizabeth|date=5 April 2018|work=Mint|access-date=13 April 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Eswatini}} |[[Mbabane]] |9–10 April |<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-to-reach-swaziland-today/1126214/|title=President Ram Nath Kovind to reach Swaziland today|date=9 April 2018|work=The Financial Express|access-date=13 April 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Zambia}} |[[Lusaka]] |10–12 April |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/president-ram-nath-kovind-embarks-on-third-official-foreign-trip/articleshow/63614812.cms|title=President Ram Nath Kovind embarks on third official foreign trip|last=Chaudhury|first=Dipanjan Roy|date=5 April 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=13 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/president-kovind-arrives-in-lusaka-accorded-ceremonial-reception201804102223570002/|title=President Kovind arrives in Lusaka, accorded ceremonial reception|website=www.aninews.in|language=en|access-date=13 April 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Greece}} |[[Athens]] |16–19 June |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1535701|title=President Kovind in Greece; Addresses Indian Community in Greece; Urges Indian Community in Greece to Help Enhance Economic, Cultural and People-to-People Links between the two Countries|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/president-kovind-leaves-on-3-nation-visit-to-greece-suriname-cuba/articleshow/64614050.cms|title=President Kovind leaves on 3-nation visit to Greece, Suriname, Cuba - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Suriname}} |[[Paramaribo]] |19–21 June |<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=180113|title=Address by the Hon'ble President Of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Suriname|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Cuba}} |[[Havana]] |21–23 June |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=180134|title=President of India in Cuba, pays tributes to National Heroes of Cuba to address students at University of Havana|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/jun/12/president-ram-nath-kovind%E2%80%8B-to-visit-greece-suriname-cuba-1827202.html|title=President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Greece, Suriname, Cuba|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Cyprus}} |[[Nicosia]] |2–4 September |<ref name="newindianexpress.com">{{cite web |title=Ram Nath Kovind embarks on 3-nation tour |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/sep/02/ram-nath-kovind-%E2%80%8Bembarks-on-3-nation-tour-1866599.html |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Bulgaria}} |[[Sofia]] |4–6 September |<ref name="newindianexpress.com" /> |- |{{Flag|Czech Republic}} |[[Prague]] |6–9 September |<ref name="newindianexpress.com" /> |- |{{Flag|Tajikistan}} |[[Dushanbe]] |7–9 October |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/president-ram-nath-kovind-to-visit-tajikistan-from-october-7-9/articleshow/66099883.cms|title=President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Tajikistan from October 7–9|date=6 October 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Vietnam}} |[[Da Nang]], [[Hanoi]] |18–21 November |<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/president-ram-nath-kovind-to-pay-3-day-visit-to-vietnam-from-sunday-5448593/|title=President Kovind on six-day visit to Vietnam, Australia from November 18|date=17 November 2018|work=The Indian Express|access-date=29 November 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/president-ram-nath-kovind-to-visit-vietnam-from-18-to-21-november-will-address-national-assembly-5556451.html|title=President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Vietnam from 18 to 21 November, will address National Assembly - Firstpost|website=www.firstpost.com|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Australia}} |[[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]] |21–24 November |<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/president-kovind-to-begin-four-day-australia-tour-1949841|title=President Kovind To Begin Four-Day Australia Tour From November 21|work=NDTV.com|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |'''2019''' |{{Flag|Croatia}} |[[Zagreb]], [[Croatia]] |25–27 March |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.croatiaweek.com/president-of-india-on-state-visit-to-croatia/|title=President Kovind visiting the capital city of croatia|work=croatiaweek.com|access-date=27 March 2019}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Bolivia}} |[[Santa Cruz de la Sierra]], [[Bolivia]] |28–30 March |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/31191/Press+Statement+by+President+during+State+Visit+to+Bolivia|title= Press Statement by President during State Visit to Bolivia|access-date=29 March 2019}}</ref> |- |{{Flag|Chile}} |[[Santiago]], [[Chile]] |30 March – 1 April |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/31172/State_Visit_of_the_President_of_India_to_Croatia_Bolivia_and_Chile_March_25__April_2_2019|title= State Visit of the President of India to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile|access-date=22 March 2019}}</ref> |} == Personal life == [[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind opens the annual “Udyanotsav” of the Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on February 05, 2018. The First Lady of India, Smt. Savita Kovind is also seen (2).jpg|thumb|President Kovind with his wife [[Savita Kovind|First Lady Savita Kovind]]]] Kovind married [[Savita Kovind|Savita]] on 30 May 1974. They have a son, Prashant Kumar, and a daughter, Swati who was an air hostess for [[Air India]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite news |title=President's Daughter Moved To Ground Duties at Air India For Security Reasons |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/presidents-daughter-swati-gets-ground-role-at-air-india-for-security-reasons-1774490 |access-date=20 March 2020 |work=NDTV.com |date=12 November 2017}}</ref> == Issues == In 2010, he was reported to have said that "[[Islam]] and [[Christianity]] are alien to the nation" as spokesperson of the BJP.<ref>{{cite news|title=Why is India's next president so unknown?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/40344572|publisher=BBC|access-date=20 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721060743/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/40344572|archive-date=21 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=When NDA Presidential pick Kovind said Islam, Christianity are alien to India|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jun/20/when-nda-presidential-pick-kovind-said-islam-christianity-are-alien-to-india-1618873.html|publisher=The New Indian Express|access-date=20 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728210110/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jun/20/when-nda-presidential-pick-kovind-said-islam-christianity-are-alien-to-india-1618873.html|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> As reported by ''[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]'' and published by ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', he made this comment in response to the [[Ranganath Misra Commission]] which recommended 15 percent reservation for religious and linguistic minorities in government jobs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Islam, Christianity alien, so cannot get quota: BJP|url=http://hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/islam-christianity-alien-so-cannot-get-quota-bjp/story-6uQb8s0QywnDq6ib60QceK.html|publisher=Hindustan Times|access-date=20 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|archive-date=27 August 2017}}</ref> Although more recently, the issue was raised in the media if whether or not he was misquoted and that he in fact said "Islam and Christianity are alien to the notion (of caste)" as opposed to what was reported as 'nation'.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ram Nath Kovind's 'Islam, Christianity' statement triggers nation vs notion row|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-nath-kovind-s-2010-statement-on-islam-christianity-back-again-triggers-nation-vs-notion-row/story-Do2uyDIb2orE0fa1Mho7sJ.html|access-date=24 July 2017|publisher=Hindustan Times|date=27 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725140428/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-nath-kovind-s-2010-statement-on-islam-christianity-back-again-triggers-nation-vs-notion-row/story-Do2uyDIb2orE0fa1Mho7sJ.html|archive-date=25 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|title=ईसाइयों और मुसलमानों पर कोविन्द के चौंकाने वाले विचार|date=20 June 2017|access-date=24 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827223422/http://www.cgkhabar.com/ramnath-kovind-and-muslim-20170620/|archive-date=27 August 2017|work=Chhattisgarh Khabar}}</ref> == State honours == {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |-- ! colspan=1 width="350px" | Decoration ! width="100px" | Country ! width="100px" | Date ! width="300px" | Note ! Ref. |- | [[File:MDG_National_Order_-_Grand_Cross_2nd_Class_BAR.png|centre|50px]] '''[[National Order of Madagascar]]''' | {{Flag|Madagascar}} | {{nowrap|14 March 2018}} | The highest civilian honour of Madagascar; in the category of ''Grand Cross 2nd Class'', the highest class that may be bestowed upon foreign dignitaries. |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/29637/press+release+on+state+visit+of+president+to+madagascar+march+1415+2018|title=Press Release on State Visit of President to Madagascar (March 14-15, 2018)|access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref> |- | [[File:Ordine dell'Indipendenza (Guinea Equatoriale).png|centre|50px]] '''Order of Independence''' | {{Flag|Equatorial Guinea}} | 8 April 2018 | Degree of Collar. |<ref name="pres_equatorial_guinea">{{cite web|url=https://mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail.htm?29807/IndiaEquatorial+Guinea+Joint+Statement+during+the+State+Visit+of+President+of+India+to+Equatorial+Guinea|title=India-Equatorial Guinea Joint Statement during the State Visit of President of India to Equatorial Guinea |access-date=14 June 2019}}</ref> |- | [[File:The Royal Order of King Sobhuza II. Sash.gif|centre|50px]] '''Order of the Lion''' | {{Flag|Eswatini}} | 9 April 2018 | The highest civilian honour in Eswatini |<ref name="pres_eswatini">{{cite web|url=https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/29805/IndiaSwaziland_Joint_Statement_during_State_Visit_of_President_to_Swaziland_April_910_2018|title= India-Swaziland Joint Statement during State Visit of President to Swaziland (April 9-10, 2018)|access-date=14 June 2019}}</ref> |- | [[File:Ribbon of an order of king Tomislav.png|centre|50px]] '''[[Grand Order of King Tomislav]]''' | {{Flag|Croatia}} | 26 March 2019 | The highest civilian honour of Croatia |<ref name="pres_croatia">{{cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/31177/press+statement+by+president+during+state+visit+to+croatia|title= Press Statement by President during State Visit to Croatia|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref> |- | [[File:BOL Order of Condor of the Andes - Grand Cross BAR.png|centre|50px]] '''[[Order of the Condor of the Andes]]''' | {{Flag|Bolivia}} | 26 March 2019 | ''Grand Collar'', The highest civilian honour in Bolivia. |<ref name="pres_bolivia">{{cite web|url=https://mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/31191/Press+Statement+by+President+during+State+Visit+to+Bolivia|title= Press Statement by President during State Visit to Bolivia|access-date=29 March 2019}}</ref> |- | [[File:National_Order_of_Merit_-_Grand_Cross_(Guinea).png|centre|50px]] '''[[National Order of Merit (Guinea)|National Order of Merit]]''' | {{Flag|Guinea}} | {{nowrap|3 August 2019}} | ''Grand Cross'' The highest civilian honour in Guinea. |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/president-ram-nath-kovind-honoured-guinea-highest-award-1576959-2019-08-04|title=President Ram Nath Kovind honoured with Guinea's highest award|date=4 August 2019|work=India Today|access-date=21 September 2019}}</ref> |- |} == See also == * [[List of Koli people]] * [[List of Koli states and clans]] * [[Presidency of Ram Nath Kovind]] * [[President of India]] {{Clear}} == References == {{reflist|30em}} == External links == * {{Commons category-inline}} {{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=[[Keshari Nath Tripathi]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of governors of Bihar|Governor of Bihar]]|years=2015–2017}} {{s-aft|after=[[Keshari Nath Tripathi]]}} {{s-bef|before=[[Pranab Mukherjee]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[President of India]]|years=2017–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}} {{Presidents of India}} {{Heads of state of republics}} {{List of Current Heads of State of G20}} {{Governor of Bihar}}{{Authority control}}{{Portal bar|India|Politics|Biography}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kovind, Ram Nath}} [[Category:1945 births]] [[Category:20th-century Indian lawyers]] [[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]] [[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Uttar Pradesh]] [[Category:Candidates for President of India]] [[Category:Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University alumni]] [[Category:Governors of Bihar]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Kanpur Dehat district]] [[Category:Presidents of India]] [[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh]] [[Category:Koli people]] [[Category:Supreme Court of India lawyers]]'