Pratibha Patil: The First Woman President of India

India is the world’s largest democracy and the second-most populous country. It has a rich and diverse history, culture, and heritage. It has also produced many eminent leaders, thinkers, and achievers in various fields. Among them is Pratibha Patil, the first woman to become the president of India.

Who is Pratibha Patil?

Pratibha Patil is an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 12th president of India from 2007 to 2012. She is the first woman to hold this prestigious and ceremonial post, which is the highest office in the country. She is also the first woman to serve as the governor of Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India.

Pratibha Patil was born on December 19, 1934, in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, a state in western India. She came from a humble and educated family. Her father was a lawyer and her mother was a homemaker. She had seven siblings, four brothers and three sisters. She completed her schooling from R.R. Vidyalaya, Jalgaon, and went on to pursue higher studies in political science and economics from Moolji Jaitha College, Jalgaon. She later obtained a law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai.

Pratibha Patil married Devisingh Ransingh Shekhawat, a fellow lawyer and politician, in 1965. They have a son and a daughter. Her husband passed away in 2015.

How did Pratibha Patil enter politics?

Pratibha Patil joined the Indian National Congress (Congress Party), the oldest and one of the largest political parties in India, in 1962. She entered politics at a young age of 27 and became a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the state legislature of Maharashtra. She served as an MLA for four consecutive terms from 1962 to 1985. During this period, she held various portfolios such as public health, social welfare, tourism, housing, etc.

In 1985, Pratibha Patil was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. She served as the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1988. She was also a member of various parliamentary committees and delegations.

In 1991, Pratibha Patil was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. She represented Amravati constituency in Maharashtra. She was also a member of various parliamentary committees and delegations.

In 2004, Pratibha Patil was appointed as the governor of Rajasthan by then president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. She was the first woman to hold this post in Rajasthan. As governor, she played an active role in promoting education, women’s empowerment, social welfare, etc.

How did Pratibha Patil become the president of India?

In 2007, Pratibha Patil was nominated as the presidential candidate by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a coalition of political parties led by the Congress Party. She was supported by various other parties and groups such as the Left Front, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), etc.

Pratibha Patil faced Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, then vice president of India and an independent candidate supported by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition of political parties led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She also faced two other candidates: Ram Jethmalani, a senior lawyer and politician; and P.A. Sangma, a former speaker of Lok Sabha.

The presidential election was held on July 19, 2007. The president of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and state legislative assemblies. Pratibha Patil won the election with 65.82% of the valid votes cast. She defeated Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who got 34.18% of the valid votes cast.

Pratibha Patil took oath as the president of India on July 25, 2007. She was sworn in by then chief justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the president in New Delhi. She became the first woman to occupy this office in India’s history.

What did Pratibha Patil do as the president of India?

Pratibha Patil served as the president of India for five years from 2007 to 2012. As president, she performed various constitutional and ceremonial duties such as appointing prime ministers, ministers, judges, governors, etc.; giving assent to bills passed by Parliament; addressing the Parliament and the nation; conferring awards and honors; receiving foreign dignitaries; visiting foreign countries; etc.

Pratibha Patil also focused on various issues and initiatives such as women’s empowerment, education, social justice, environment, rural development, etc. She launched various schemes and programs such as the Pratibha Scholarship Scheme for meritorious girl students, the Pratibha Rajbhasha Shield for promoting Hindi language, the Pratibha Awards for excellence in sports, etc.

Pratibha Patil also made history by being the first Indian president to fly in a fighter jet, to visit Antarctica, to address the Turkish Parliament, etc. She also visited 22 countries during her tenure, the most by any Indian president.

Pratibha Patil completed her term as president on July 25, 2012. She was succeeded by Pranab Mukherjee, a veteran politician and former finance minister.

What is Pratibha Patil’s legacy and contribution?

Pratibha Patil is widely regarded as a trailblazer and a role model for women in India and across the world. She broke the glass ceiling and achieved the highest office in the country. She inspired and encouraged millions of women to pursue their dreams and aspirations. She also contributed to the development and progress of the nation through her various initiatives and actions.

Pratibha Patil is also respected for her dignity, grace, and humility. She maintained a low profile and avoided controversies. She performed her duties with dedication and sincerity. She upheld the values and ideals of the Constitution and democracy.

Pratibha Patil is also honored for her loyalty and service to her party and country. She remained faithful to her political mentor Indira Gandhi and her family. She also served the nation in various capacities for over five decades.

Pratibha Patil is a living legend and a source of pride for India. She is an example of what women can achieve with determination and hard work. She is a symbol of hope and empowerment for all.