The First Women President of India – An Inspirational Journey
Smt. Pratibha Patil with her modest backing and education, diversified experience and humble persona of supreme integrity were best suited for this premier position. It certainly was not easy to step into the proverbial shoes of Dr. Abdul Kalam, an acclaimed scholar-scientist-intellect. There were many speculations on the suitable successor to head the country. Smt. Pratibha Patil’s grace, dignity, and unassuming gentleness made her stride into the Rashtrapati Bhavan with a calm confidence. There was skepticism, can this lady steer the largest democracy in such a critical phase of its history? She silenced all her critics by winning the election with a thumping majority over her opponent and became the first ever Women President of India. During 5 years of her tenure she strived to honor the promises she made to the people of the country.
Videos
Swearing In Ceremony of the Former President Smt. Pratibha Patil.
“I stand here today as the republic’s first servant humbled by this experience.”
– Smt. Pratibha Patil
Encouraging Rural Innovations
Coming from a rural background, Smt. Pratibha Patil always believed in the potential of people from rural areas. The only thing lacking was a platform for the people living in rural areas to present their potential before the country. Capitalizing on her concern, Smt. Pratibha Patil chose Rashtrapati Bhavan as a platform for Rural Innovators to promote their innovative thoughts.
Fighting Social EVILS
- Female Feticide
- Gender Inequality
- Fight against Alcoholism and Drugs
- Fight against social evils like manual scavenging
- Ragging in Educational Institutions
Linking Businesses Globally
Smt. Pratibha Patil undertook foreign visits across continents to promote India’s national interests and improve bilateral ties. These visits have covered priority countries such as the G-5 (Russia, China, and the UK); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Chile); Africa; SAARC (Bhutan); Central Asia (Tajikistan); East and South East Asia; Europe; the Gulf and West Asia (UAE and Syria).
supreme commander of armed forces
On assuming the office of the President, Mrs. Pratibha Patil became the first woman Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. During her tenure she visited most of the far flung border areas to motivate the troops and get a first hand understanding of their issues. Her flight in the Sukhoi 30 fighter plane of Indian Air Force on 25th November 2009 at the age of 74 was a momentous occasion.
Persisting the Human Touch
-
A Helping Hand to those in Need of Treatment
Twin sisters Shruti & Gore Bhatla, from Kanpur District, who suffer from ‘ontogenesis imprecate’, a type of incurable bone disease are recipients of the National Bal Shree Awards, 2007, for their creative talents. Their creativity, cheerful nature and indomitable spirit impressed Smt. Pratibha Patil immensely, and she thereafter met them along with their parents during her visit to Kanpur. The parents of Shruti and Gore informed Smt. Pratibha Patil about their difficulties in meeting medical expenses and getting treatment at a specialized hospital. Her intervention helped them receive some medical relief from the State Government.
Read More -
Encouraging the Rural Talent
Pinki, a school girl from a remote part of rural Chhattisgarh has the ingenuity of making useful items from waste products. Her innovative ideas impressed Smt. Pratibha Patil. She was invited to showcase her products at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of International Women's Day in March 2009. Pinki eventually became a master trainer to various Self-Help Groups. A visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan opened a new vista of opportunities for her.
Read More -
Smt. Pratibha Patil Hosted Lunch for Underprivileged Children and Orphans
More than hundred children from underprivileged sections of society and orphans from different organizations and orphanages in the city were given a surprise by Smt. Pratibha Patil, when she hosted them for a lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She wanted the children to have an opportunity to go to Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Mughal Gardens and made sure that the children were given special care on this occasion. Smt. Pratibha Patil spent time with the children, and tried to understand their experiences and urged them to take their education seriously, as they are the future of the nation.
Read More
Connecting with People
