Pratibha Patil achieved a milestone in national governance in 2007 by becoming the first woman to hold the office of President of India. Her five-year tenure as head of state followed decades of legislative experience, during which she served in both houses of the Indian Parliament and held a gubernatorial role in the state of Rajasthan.
Legal Training and Early Career
Born in 1934 in Nadgaon, Patil pursued education at Mooljee Jetha College in Jalgaon before earning a law degree from the Government Law College in Mumbai. She commenced her professional life practicing at the Jalgaon District Court. Her public service began in 1962 when she won a seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, an appointment she maintained for 23 years until 1985.
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Patil expanded her parliamentary influence through service in the Rajya Sabha from 1985 to 1990 and as a Member of the Lok Sabha between 1991 and 1996. Her transition into executive state administration occurred in 2004 when she became the Governor of Rajasthan, serving in that capacity until her presidential nomination.
The 2007 Presidential Election
As the United Progressive Alliance candidate, Patil faced an opposition challenge from Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. The election period generated significant public discourse regarding her past legislative decisions, including her 1975 comments on mandatory sterilization for individuals with hereditary conditions. Despite controversies surrounding her candidacy, she secured nearly two-thirds of the vote and assumed the presidency on 25 July 2007.
Presidential Tenure and Legacy
During her term, which concluded in 2012, Patil established a record for commuting 35 death sentences to life imprisonment. Her presidency faced scrutiny regarding the financial expenditure of her foreign travels, which involved visits to 22 countries. Beyond her political duties, she received international recognition, including the Order of the Aztec Eagle and an honorary doctorate from the University of Chile.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Nadgaon
- Citizenship: India
- Religion: Hinduism
- President of India: 2007-2012
- Governor of Rajasthan: 2004-2007
- Languages: Marathi, English
- Spouse: Devisingh Ransingh Shekhawat
Questions readers ask
Was Pratibha Patil the first woman President of India?
Yes, she was the first woman to serve in this position, holding office from 2007 to 2012.
What was her professional background before politics?
She was a lawyer who practiced at the Jalgaon District Court after completing her legal studies in Mumbai.
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