India's 14th president to assume office

India's new president Ram Nath Kovind, smiles as he receives greetings from well wishers after being elected in New Delhi, India, Thursday, July 20, 2017. Kovind was elected by the Indian Parliament and state legislatures in voting held Monday, with the results announced Thursday. [Photo: AP/Manish Swarup]

Ram Nath Kovind will be sworn in as India's 14th president Tuesday when incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee's five-year term expires.

Kovind will be administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar at a special function in the Parliament, to be attended by lawmakers of both the Houses -- Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and Lok Sabha (Lower House).

The former Governor of the eastern state of Bihar was elected as India's president last week as the ruling National Democratic Alliance's contender and he won the election by a huge margin against opposition nominee Meira Kumar, a former Parliament Speaker.

The 71-year-old son of a farmer will become India's second Dalit (untouchable) President after President K.R. Narayanan, who served from 1997 to 2002.

Indian President is the ceremonial head of state, who plays decisive roles only in case of a hung Parliament after general elections.