C P Radhakrishnan Sworn In as India’s 15th Vice President Amidst Ceremonial Grandeur ..
President Droupadi Murmu Administers Oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan; VP-Elect Pays Homage at Rajghat Before Assuming Office
By AMIT ALHAT, Editor, TIN24
New Delhi, September 12, 2025 – In a momentous ceremony marking a new chapter in India’s constitutional journey, Vice-President-elect C P Radhakrishnan was administered the oath of office as the 15th Vice President of India by President Droupadi Murmu at the South Basement Reception Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Friday morning. The event, steeped in tradition and national pride, followed a poignant tribute at Rajghat and will culminate with Radhakrishnan assuming his duties at the Parliament House Chairman’s Chamber.
The swearing-in, scheduled precisely at 9:15 AM, unfolded with the solemnity befitting the high office. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician and former Governor of Kerala, pledged allegiance to the Constitution in the presence of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar (outgoing), and leaders from across the political spectrum. Clad in a traditional white kurta-pajama, the 78-year-old VP-elect raised his right hand and recited the oath in Hindi, vowing to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution” and “devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of India.”
Earlier at 8:00 AM, Radhakrishnan led a ceremonial homage at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he offered floral tributes to the Father of the Nation. Accompanied by his family and a small entourage, the gesture symbolized his commitment to Gandhian principles of non-violence and public service, setting a reflective tone for the day. “In the spirit of Bapu, I step into this role with humility and dedication to our nation’s unity,” Radhakrishnan remarked briefly to the media upon departing Rajghat.
The convoy then proceeded to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential residence in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, for the main oath-taking event. The South Basement Reception Hall, adorned with the national tricolor and floral arrangements, hosted around 200 invitees, including Supreme Court judges, governors, and foreign envoys. President Murmu, in her signature saree, personally administered the oath, a rare honor that underscored the collaborative ethos between the two constitutional heads.
Post-ceremony, Radhakrishnan is set to formally assume charge at 11:15 AM in the Chairman’s Chamber at Parliament House. This chamber, overlooking the grand parliamentary complex, will serve as his primary office, where he will preside over the Rajya Sabha as its ex-officio Chairman. Sources indicate that his first order of business may involve consultations on legislative priorities for the upcoming session.
Radhakrishnan’s elevation to the vice presidency comes after his unanimous election earlier this year, backed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) loyalist with roots in Tamil Nadu’s freedom struggle legacy—his father was a close associate of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai—Radhakrishnan brings a wealth of administrative experience. His tenure as Kerala Governor was marked by efforts to bridge Centre-state relations amid political turbulence.
The event drew widespread acclaim, with opposition leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extending congratulations via social media, calling it a “smooth transition in our democracy.” International reactions were swift, with the US Embassy in New Delhi tweeting best wishes for “strengthened India-US ties under new leadership.”
As the nation watches this seamless handover, Radhakrishnan’s vice presidency is poised to emphasize federal harmony and legislative efficiency in an era of dynamic challenges. With the oath now taken, India gears up for what promises to be a steady hand at the helm of its upper house.
“TIN24”
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
