Draupadi Murmu has been sworn in as president of India. She became the first representative of one of the country's marginalized tribal communities to become head of state, AFP reported.

The former schoolteacher and state governor was elected to the largely ceremonial office of president last week.

Murmu, of the Santhal tribe, paid her respects before her inauguration at the memorial to Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi.

"I started my life journey from a small tribal village," Murmu, 64, said after being sworn into parliament. "Given where I came from, my dream was to get at least a basic education," she added. "But despite many obstacles, my determination remained strong, and I became the first daughter of my village to go to college".

Murmu's victory was considered inevitable because of the strength of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies in parliament and state assemblies.

Analysts say the move is likely to help Prime Minister Narendra Modi expand his base among poor tribal communities ahead of his re-election in 2024.

India's prime minister has executive power, but the president can send some parliamentary bills for reconsideration and also plays a leading role in the government formation process.