New Delhi

A day before Ram Nath Kovind demitted the office of President of the country, he received a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who lauded the former President for having set "the highest standards of principles, probity, performance, sensitivity and service during his tenure."

The former President Kovind today took to Twitter to thank PM Modi for his kind words.

This letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi has deeply touched me. I take his kind and heartfelt words as a reflection of love and respect fellow citizens have showered on me. I am sincerely grateful to you all. pic.twitter.com/8GBBMnwvYf

— Ram Nath Kovind (@ramnathkovind) July 26, 2022

PM Modi in his letter to Kovind, shared by the former President, said: "As your term draws to an end, I join the entire nation in saluting you and extending our deepest gratitude for your outstanding service as the President of our Republic and for a long and distinguished career in public life. You set the highest standards of principles, probity and performance, and of sensitivity and service."

He also paid tribute to Kovind's personal journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, lauding it as "a parable for our country`s evolution and development, and an inspiration for our society."

The Prime Minister also remembered about their tour together to Paraunkh and said he was particularly touched to see how Kovind had donated his family residence to help others, especially those belonging to the poor and marginalised sections of society.

"I have always been deeply touched by your humility, grace and generosity. I will never forget our visit to Paraunkh a few weeks ago. I was particularly touched to see how you had donated your family residence to help others, especially those belonging to the poor and marginalised sections of society. It was equally heartening to see you retain the deep connect with your roots and the affection the people showered upon you. Your special gesture of coming to receive me at the helipad will remain etched in my memory forever," said PM Modi.

PM Modi also shared how the former President had visited his mother and discussed several issues with her.

While concluding the letter, the PM said, "You have always been generous with your time and counsel to me over the past five years, and I will continue to turn to you for advice. It has been a real privilege to work with you, Rashtrapati ji, as your Prime Minister. I join fellow citizens in wishing you a long and healthy life ahead. Jai Hind!”

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Kovind's term as President of India ended last Thursday and he is succeeded by Droupadi Murmu, who assumed the office of the President of India on July 25.