Kovind: 21st century can become India's

{ PRESIDENT'S FAREWELL ADDRESS }

NEW DELHI: The country is getting ready to make 21st century the "century of India", outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind said in his address to the nation on his last day in office on Sunday.

Droupadi Murmu will take oath as India's 15th President on Monday.

Mother Nature is in "deep agony", Kovind said, expressing concern over the climate crisis.

"We must take care of our environment, our land, air and water, for the sake of our children. In our daily lives and routine choices, we must be more careful to protect our trees, rivers, seas and mountains as well as all other living beings," he said. "As the first citizen, if I have to give one advice to my fellow citizens, it has to be this."

Kovind also highlighted the importance of healthcare and education. "The pandemic has underlined the need to further improve the public health care infrastructure," he said.

"I firmly believe that our country is getting equipped to make the 21st century the century of India," Kovind said.