Mexican Award Ceremony
Smt. Pratibha Patil’s involvement with the Armed Forces goes back to the year 1962 when the Chinese aggression shook the nation. Efforts were then being made by each and every citizen to contribute in their own way. As a young MLA, Smt. Patil responded to this clarion call and started an initiative to collect funds for the welfare of the affected soldiers. She received tremendous response especially from women who were even willing to contribute their jewellery. She went ahead to organise a Women Home Guards wing in Jalgaon District and passed the training course with flying colours to become their Commandant in 1962.
