Smt. Pratibha Patil at Events

The End of an Era : Bidding Farewell to a Visionary Leader- Ratan Naval Tata

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Naval Tata, a visionary industrialist and philanthropist whose kindness and dedication touched countless lives. It was my great honour to present him the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, recognizing his immense contributions to India’s growth. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the Tata Group. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and relentless commitment to the nation will continue to inspire us all. May his soul find eternal peace.

Honored with ‘Órden Mexicana del Águila Azteca’ Award.

Former President Smt. Pratibha Patil received the ‘Order of the Aztec Eagle’ award from the Ambassador of Mexico to India, Melba Pria on Saturday, 1st June 2019. This is Mexico’s highest civilian honour for her contributions to cement the India-Mexico business partnership during her presidency.

The ceremony was held in the MCCIA Bhavan, Pune on Saturday 1st June 2019. With this, Smt. Pratibha Patil becomes the second Indian head of the state to get the award after late President S Radhakrishna.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Library Inauguration function at Symbiosis on 21.11.2015

Mrs. Pratibha Patil inaugurated the new Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Library at the Symbiosis Insitute campus along with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. In her speech, madam threw light on the conversations between Dr. Ambedkar and Mahtama Gandhi on issues like untouchability and social reformation during the Poona Pact. She also spoke of Dr. Ambedkar’s role in drafting the Indian Constitution, which she said, is like a security cover for all citizens and empowers even the weakest link in society.

Release of the book “Reinventing Leadership” by the Vice President

The Vice-President of India, Shri Hamid Ansari, released the book “Reinventing Leadership” written on Mrs. Pratibha Patil’s Presidency period by Mrs. Sunaina Singh.

Mr. Raghunath Mashalakar, renowned scientist, and Mr. Bhism Narain Singh, former Union Minister and Governor, also spoke about madam’s social work on this occasion.

Padmabhushan Dr. H. L. Hiranandani Oration and Award function

Padmabhushan Dr. H.L. Hiranandani, Oration and Award function was organized by Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai. It was attended by Mrs. Patil and Governor of Maharashtra, Shir Vidyasagar Rao. Padmabhushan Dr. Suresh H Advani was presented an award for his contribution in the field of medical oncology by Hiranandani Trust.

Inauguration of All India conference on Prevention of Cancer

Mrs. Patil inaugurated an “All India Conference on Recent Advances in Cancer Management” which was organized in Pune by Dr. Bagul and Shyamala Desai, a social worked. In her speech she encouraged the medical fraternity to follow a multi-disciplinary approach for cancer treatment and palliative care. She suggested that best practices from Homeopathy and Ayurved could be combined with Allopathy to make the treatment more effective and cheaper for common man.

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Bharatachi Pratibha’ Anthology on Smt. Pratibha Patil Launched in Pune

On 20 April 2026, the launch ceremony of the book ‘Bharatachi Pratibha’, an anthology based on the articles by celebrated personalities on the remarkable life and contributions of India’s first woman President, Smt. Pratibha Patil, was held in Pune. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Padma Bhushan Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Founder of Symbiosis International University, Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, VC SPPU, Mayor of Pune, senior journalist Madhukar Bhave, amongst others. The ceremony was deeply moving, celebrating her life dedicated to public service. Her journey, from humble beginnings to the highest constitutional office in the country, stands as a powerful example of perseverance, integrity, and commitment. On this occasion, speakers emphasized that ‘Bharatachi Pratibha’ is not merely a book but a profound source of inspiration for the youth, leaders, and all citizens alike. Eminent women from various fields were felicitated on this occasion to emphasise Pratibhaji’s commitment towards women empowerment.
91st Birthday Special: Documentary on Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil

On the occasion of the 91st birthday of India’s first woman President, Hon’ble Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, celebrated on 19th December, Akshara International School students released a special documentary celebrating her inspiring journey. The documentary highlights her historic Sukhoi-30 MKI sortie on 25th November 2009, a milestone in India’s aviation history and women’s empowerment. It inspired girls across the nation to dream about careers in the armed forces. Four NCC cadet girls from the school have so far represented Maharashtra in the Republic Day parade. She showed us all that age and gender are no barriers to touching the sky. Students, teachers, and management shared warm wishes on her birthday.
Bidding Farewell to Veteran Actor Dharmendra, the He-Man of Indian Cinema

It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of Shri Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, a legendary actor and cinematic icon whose grace, humility, and timeless artistry touched millions of hearts. Honouring him with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 remains one of my most treasured moments. His contribution to Indian cinema transcended generations, with iconic roles and timeless performances. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul find eternal peace.
Padma Vibhushan Dr. K.H. Sancheti Met Former President Pratibha Patil

Dr. K.H. Sancheti, Founder President of Sancheti Hospital, and Dr. Parag Sancheti, Chairman and Managing Director, paid a visit to former President Pratibha Patil at her Pune residence on January 11, 2025. The meeting was warm and cordial, reflecting mutual respect and admiration. Dr. K.H. Sancheti, a Padma Vibhushan awardee honored by Pratibha Patil, is the only orthopaedic surgeon in India to receive awards from four Presidents. Truly inspirational!
Pratibha Patil Inaugurates Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan’s Website

The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was held in Delhi. Former President Pratibha Patil inaugurated the event's symbolic website. During the event, she said, "This conference, being held in Delhi after nearly seventy years, will be unprecedented." Notable attendees included Prof. Milind Joshi, Dr. Satish Desai from the conference's organizing committee, Mr. Pratap Paradeshi, Shailesh Wadekar, Anuj Nahar, Santosh Deshpande, and Pratibha Patil's daughter Jyoti Rathod, among others.
Smt. Pratibha Patil Honored with Amrit Gaurav Samman on University Day

Savitribai Phule Pune University celebrated its Foundation Day on 10th February 2024 with grandeur, honoring former President Smt. Pratibha Patil with the prestigious Amrit Gaurav Samman Award, presented by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In her speech, Pratibha Patil highlighted the transformative role of education in her life, describing it as her greatest treasure. She underscored the importance of fostering virtues, eradicating vices, and prioritizing knowledge-driven leadership to build a progressive, knowledge-based economy for the future.
Students Celebrate Pratibha Patil's 90th Birthday with Grand Rangoli

Students at Pune's Jijamata Girls' School crafted a stunning 25x15 ft rangoli to celebrate former President Pratibha Tai Patil's 90th birthday on December 19, 2024. Paying tribute, they chanted, “First woman president, pride of India, Pratibha Patil – your name remains an eternal melody to the nation.”

The festivities, organized by the Shri Shivaji Marathi Society, saw Honorary Secretary Anna Thorat and other dignitaries praise the students for their artistic homage. The grand rangoli showcased both Pratibha Patil's enduring inspiration and the students' creative brilliance.
Historic Meet: Two Women Presidents Convene in Pune

President Droupadi Murmu visited former President Pratibha Tai Patil at her residence on 30th November 2023, marking a historic meeting of India's first and current women Presidents. They discussed women's empowerment and child protection.

President Murmu was felicitated with the Dagdusheth Ganapati idol and a book on POCSO law. Notable attendees included Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Adv. Pratap Pardeshi, and other dignitaries. Invitations were extended for Navratri celebrations in Pune. The meeting emphasized women's rising political influence and commitment to social issues.
Farewell to a Visionary Leader and Learned Colleague – Dr. Manmohan Singh

"I have lost a very learned colleague with whom I had closely worked during my presidential term and relied greatly on for his vast knowledge, experience, and wisdom. I have many cherished memories of my association with him. He was a great Parliamentarian and recognized as the architect of India's economic reforms. In his death, our country has lost a respected and dedicated leader."
The End of an Era : Bidding Farewell to a Visionary Leader- Ratan Naval Tata

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Naval Tata, a visionary industrialist and philanthropist whose kindness and dedication touched countless lives. It was my great honour to present him the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, recognizing his immense contributions to India’s growth. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the Tata Group. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and relentless commitment to the nation will continue to inspire us all. May his soul find eternal peace.