Smt. Pratibha Patil - The First Woman President of India

Latest News & Events

Former President Smt. Pratibha Patil Shares View on Nari Shakti Vandan Act

Former President Smt. Pratibha Patil has extended her support for the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” describing it as a transformative initiative for India’s democracy. In a letter dated 11 April 2026, she wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, applauding the historic enactment of the women’s reservation law. She stated, “I am confident that this progressive initiative will ignite the aspirations of countless women, particularly those from rural and marginalized communities, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. It also sends a clear and powerful message to the world about India’s unwavering commitment to gender justice and inclusive democracy.” She also conveyed her best wishes for sustained efforts towards women’s empowerment and national progress.

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil tries her hand at the ‘charkha’ or the spinning wheel on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary at Ahemdabad

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil makes history by flying in a Sukhoi

President Obama raises a toast as Indian Former President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil

old memories

91st Birthday Special: Documentary on Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil

On the occasion of the 91st birthday of India’s first woman President, Hon’ble Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, celebrated on 19th December, Akshara International School students released a special documentary celebrating her inspiring journey. The documentary highlights her historic Sukhoi-30 MKI sortie on 25th November 2009, a milestone in India’s aviation history and women’s empowerment. It inspired girls across the nation to dream about careers in the armed forces. Four NCC cadet girls from the school have so far represented Maharashtra in the Republic Day parade. She showed us all that age and gender are no barriers to touching the sky. Students, teachers, and management shared warm wishes on her birthday.
Bidding Farewell to Veteran Actor Dharmendra, the He-Man of Indian Cinema

It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of Shri Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, a legendary actor and cinematic icon whose grace, humility, and timeless artistry touched millions of hearts. Honouring him with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 remains one of my most treasured moments. His contribution to Indian cinema transcended generations, with iconic roles and timeless performances. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul find eternal peace.
Pratibha Patil Inaugurates Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan’s Website

The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was held in Delhi. Former President Pratibha Patil inaugurated the event's symbolic website. During the event, she said, "This conference, being held in Delhi after nearly seventy years, will be unprecedented." Notable attendees included Prof. Milind Joshi, Dr. Satish Desai from the conference's organizing committee, Mr. Pratap Paradeshi, Shailesh Wadekar, Anuj Nahar, Santosh Deshpande, and Pratibha Patil's daughter Jyoti Rathod, among others.
Smt. Pratibha Patil Honored with Amrit Gaurav Samman on University Day

Savitribai Phule Pune University celebrated its Foundation Day on 10th February 2024 with grandeur, honoring former President Smt. Pratibha Patil with the prestigious Amrit Gaurav Samman Award, presented by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In her speech, Pratibha Patil highlighted the transformative role of education in her life, describing it as her greatest treasure. She underscored the importance of fostering virtues, eradicating vices, and prioritizing knowledge-driven leadership to build a progressive, knowledge-based economy for the future.
Students Celebrate Pratibha Patil's 90th Birthday with Grand Rangoli

Students at Pune's Jijamata Girls' School crafted a stunning 25x15 ft rangoli to celebrate former President Pratibha Tai Patil's 90th birthday on December 19, 2024. Paying tribute, they chanted, “First woman president, pride of India, Pratibha Patil – your name remains an eternal melody to the nation.”

The festivities, organized by the Shri Shivaji Marathi Society, saw Honorary Secretary Anna Thorat and other dignitaries praise the students for their artistic homage. The grand rangoli showcased both Pratibha Patil's enduring inspiration and the students' creative brilliance.
Historic Meet: Two Women Presidents Convene in Pune

President Droupadi Murmu visited former President Pratibha Tai Patil at her residence on 30th November 2023, marking a historic meeting of India's first and current women Presidents. They discussed women's empowerment and child protection.

President Murmu was felicitated with the Dagdusheth Ganapati idol and a book on POCSO law. Notable attendees included Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Adv. Pratap Pardeshi, and other dignitaries. Invitations were extended for Navratri celebrations in Pune. The meeting emphasized women's rising political influence and commitment to social issues.
Farewell to a Visionary Leader and Learned Colleague – Dr. Manmohan Singh

"I have lost a very learned colleague with whom I had closely worked during my presidential term and relied greatly on for his vast knowledge, experience, and wisdom. I have many cherished memories of my association with him. He was a great Parliamentarian and recognized as the architect of India's economic reforms. In his death, our country has lost a respected and dedicated leader."
The End of an Era : Bidding Farewell to a Visionary Leader- Ratan Naval Tata

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Naval Tata, a visionary industrialist and philanthropist whose kindness and dedication touched countless lives. It was my great honour to present him the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, recognizing his immense contributions to India’s growth. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the Tata Group. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and relentless commitment to the nation will continue to inspire us all. May his soul find eternal peace.
Ex-Prez Pratibha Patil Casts her Vote at Home
Former President Pratibha Patil, 90, opted for the home-voting facility ahead of the Lok Sabha polls scheduled for May 13 in Pune. Her office had communicated to the district collectorate as is the procedure, and the officials carried out the process on Wednesday. India's first woman President, Patil has never missed voting during elections. This time, the Election Commission of India has extended the facility of home voting to 85-plus individuals across constituencies

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Former President Ramnath Kovind receives Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at 12 Janpath
On 27th July, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil met Former President Ramnath Kovind at 12 Janpath after the successful end of his presidential term. Smt. Pratibha Patil was accompanied by her daughter. They greeted Ramnath Kovind with bouquets. Savita Kovind and her daughter accompanied Former President Ramnath Kovind. Read More