He was speaking on Monday at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the eve of demitting office as the 13th President of India.

President congratulated and extended a warm welcome to Ram Nath Kovind, the new President and wished him success and happiness in the years to come.

Pranab said that in Rashtrapati Bhavan, he tried to build a humane and happy township. He stated that in last five years he learnt from his travels across the length and breadth of the country. He learnt from his conversations with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, authors, artists and leaders from across the spectrum. These interactions kept him focused and inspired.