India, July 26 -- Former union minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapati Raju was sworn in as the 22nd governor of Goa on Saturday in the presence of a host of officials and dignitaries.

The chief justice of the Bombay high court, Justice Alok Aradhe, administered the oath of office to the governor.

Speaking after his swearing-in, Gajapati Raju said he was looking forward to working with the people of Goa. "I am delighted to be in Goa and delighted to swear by the constitution of India to serve the people of the country but Goans in particular. We all work as a team. I'm really delighted. I don't know the local language, but this is my first assignment at this state office," he told reporters after the ceremony.

"I am looking forward to working...