Who is India's First Woman President?

Pratibha Devisingh Patil – India’s First Woman President

• Historic Milestone:
  • 12th President of India (2007–2012).
  • First woman to occupy the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Early Life & Education:
  • Born: 19 December 1934, Nadgaon, Maharashtra (Jalgaon district).
  • Education: Master’s in Political Science & Economics (Mooljee Jetha College, Jalgaon); Law degree (Government Law College, Mumbai).
• Social Work:
  • Co-founded Vidya Bharti Shikshan Prasarak Mandal (educational trust).
  • Established hostels for working women in Mumbai, Delhi & Pune.
  • Founded institutions for visually impaired and children of Nomadic Tribes.
• Political Career:
  • Entered politics at age 27.
  • Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (1962–1985) – held several ministerial portfolios (Education, Urban Development, Tourism, Public Health, Social Welfare).
  • Rajya Sabha MP (1985–1990).
  • Lok Sabha MP (Amravati) (1991–1996).
  • Governor of Rajasthan (2004–2007) – first woman to hold the post.
• Presidency (2007–2012):
  • Nominated by UPA & Left parties.
  • Defeated Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (NDA).
  • Focus areas: education, women empowerment, social welfare.
  • Symbolic breakthrough in gender equality in Indian politics.
• Legacy:
  • First woman President → landmark in Indian democracy.
  • Advocate of social justice, women’s education & empowerment.
  • Remembered as a trailblazer in Indian politics despite controversies during her term.
    
    Updated - Mar 7, 2025, 09:00 PM | Jagran Josh