NEW DELHI, July 23: President Pratibha Patil who is demitting office tomorrow, was given a warm farewell by Members of Parliament here this evening, eulogising her as a “symbol of dignity, grace and women empowerment.”
At a grand but brief ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, the outgoing President was presented bouquets and mementos by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Vice- President Hamid Ansari on behalf of all the MPs.
In her address the President lauded the eforts of MPs to “look for opportunities amid challenges” and said the 100 crore population of the country had shown to the world that people could live together in harmony.
Describing Parliament as a protector of the people, she said they would have to work together to ensure the nation’s progress and prosperity.
In her address the Lok Sabha Speaker paid tributes to Ms Patil’s “remarkable” political journey from being a Legislative Assembly member in Maharashtra to holding the highest office of the land.
The Speaker said Ms Patil had created history by being the first woman President to hold the office.
Ms Patil was a member of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from 1985-1996. She was Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson from 1986-1988.
(UNI)
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