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Pratibha Devisingh Patil (born 19 December 1934) is an Indian politician who served as the 12th President of India, from 2007 to 2012. She was the first woman to hold the office of the President in India. Before her presidency, she held various significant political positions, including Governor of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Pratibha Patil's tenure as President was marked by a focus on rural development, women's empowerment, and education.

Early Life and Education

Pratibha Patil was born in Nandgaon, a small village in Maharashtra, to a well-to-do family. She completed her education at Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha and later earned a law degree from the Government Law College, Mumbai. She was actively involved in student politics during her youth and developed an interest in social issues, especially those related to women and marginalized communities.

Political Career

Pratibha Patil's political journey began when she became the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 1962. She later served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, and held several important positions in state and national politics. Some of her key roles include:

Governor of Rajasthan (2004–2007): As Governor, she focused on promoting education and rural development.
Member of Parliament: She represented the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and was actively involved in social and economic reforms.

Her long-standing association with the Indian National Congress (INC) led her to a prominent role in the party, where she worked alongside several key figures, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Presidency (2007–2012)

Pratibha Patil became the 12th President of India on 25 July 2007, defeating BJP's candidate Bashundhara Raje. Her election was historic, as she became the first woman to assume the office of the President. During her tenure, she played a ceremonial role in the government, with the executive powers vested primarily in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Some key aspects of her presidency include:

Promoting women’s rights and advocating for reforms to ensure greater participation of women in politics and society.
Focusing on issues related to rural development, education, and healthcare.
Environmental sustainability: She supported initiatives related to conservation and sustainability.
Defense and diplomacy: She played an important role in shaping India's foreign policy and was the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.

Post-Presidency

After completing her term in 2012, Pratibha Patil retired from active politics. However, she continues to be involved in various charitable and educational initiatives. She is the founder of the Smt. Pratibha Patil Foundation, which works towards promoting education, women's welfare, and rural development.

Legacy

Pratibha Patil is remembered for breaking the gender barrier in Indian politics by becoming the country's first female president. Her tenure was characterized by a strong commitment to social causes, particularly those benefiting women, children, and rural communities. Her leadership remains a significant milestone in India's political history.

Honors and Awards

Pratibha Patil has received numerous awards and honors, including:

Padma Bhushan (1990) for her contributions to public affairs.
Padma Vibhushan (2012) for her work in social welfare and leadership.

Her legacy as a trailblazer for women in Indian politics and governance continues to inspire future generations.