Celebrating the Legacy of Pratibha Patil on Her 91st Birthday
A Milestone Birthday for India's First Female President
Today, December 19, marks the 91st birthday of Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, the first woman to hold the presidency in India. Known for her dedication to social service, Patil was actively involved in community work long before entering the political arena. She embarked on her political journey at the age of 27, transitioning from a life of service to a prominent political figure. As a talented table tennis player during her college years, her ascent to the highest office in the country has made her an inspiration for women across India. Let's explore some fascinating aspects of her life on this special occasion.
Early Life and Family Background
Pratibha Patil was born on December 19, 1934, in the Jalna district of Maharashtra. Her father, Narayan Rao, was a politician. She completed her early education in Jalna before graduating from Mulji Jetha College. Subsequently, she pursued her law degree at Government Law College in Mumbai.
The College Queen
Patil had a passion for table tennis and was an exceptional player during her college days. Her beauty and talent earned her the title of 'College Queen.' In 1965, she married Professor Devi Singh Ransingh Shekhawat.
Entry into Politics
With a strong inclination towards social work, Patil was involved in various reformative initiatives for women before she entered politics. At the age of 27, she contested her first assembly election from Jalna, Maharashtra. She won four consecutive elections from Mukti Nagar on a Congress ticket, steadily rising in political stature. Between 1967 and 1972, she served as a deputy minister in the Maharashtra government and later as the Minister of Social Welfare from 1972 to 1974.
Becoming President
In a significant political victory, Pratibha Patil defeated her opponent Bhairon Singh Shekhawat by nearly 300,000 votes, becoming the first female president of India on July 25, 2007. Prior to this, she served as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1988 and won the Amaravati Lok Sabha seat in 1991. From 2004 to 2007, she held the position of Governor of Rajasthan before being nominated for the presidency by the UPA in 2007.