On Wednesday, Joe Biden took oath as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala Harris as the 49th and first woman US Vice President. It was a historic ceremony but was scaled down due to security threats and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Biden, the 78-year-old veteran Democrat leader, was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice John Roberts at the West Front of the Capitol. He became the oldest president in American history and took the oath by placing his left hand on his 127-year-old family Bible, which was held by his wife, Dr Jill Biden.
Harris created history when she was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She is the first female, first black and first Indian American US Vice President. Harris tweeted: “For the people—always.”
Harris has her roots in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Thulasendhirapuram – Harris’s ancestral village in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district celebrated while Harris took the oath, miles away. The villagers lit fireworks, distributed sweets and posters of Harris were stuck on the walls of the village. Children also flashed placards for the first person of South Asian descent to become the US Vice President.
Leaders across the globe reacted and congratulated the newly elected US President and Vice President.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Biden in a series of tweets where he expressed his “warmest congratulations” and also stated that he looks forward “to strengthen India-US strategic partnership.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: “The United States is back. And Europe stands ready.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Biden and Harris. He said: “I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership with you”
The Dalai Lama also tweeted congratulations and stated he is glad that Biden is “giving high priority to the urgent issue of climate change.”
US-India Business Council also congratulated Biden. USIBC said: “We look forward to your leadership and renewed global engagement in the years ahead.”
President of the University of Houston Renu Khator wished President Biden and the First Lady.
The stock markets have seen a surge as investors grow optimistic while Biden took charge. The Nasdaq 100 Index increased more than 2% and the S&P 500 Index surged to all-time high. Netflix Inc rose more than 13% after a jump in subscribers.
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