Tell me a bio of Pratibha Patil.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Pratibha Patil is an Indian politician who served as the 12th President of India from 2007 to 2012. Born on December 19, 1934, in Nadgaon, a small village in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, India, Patil comes from a humble background.

**Early Life and Education**

Patil was born to Balibai and Daraoji Rao Patil, a farmer. She was the eldest of three children. Patil's early education took place in her village, and she later moved to Jalgaon to pursue her secondary education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Sir Parshurambhau College in Pune.

**Career**

Patil began her career as a teacher and later joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1963. She became involved in politics and was elected as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1967. Patil served as a member of the assembly for five terms, from 1967 to 1985. During her tenure, she held various positions, including Minister of Law and Judiciary, Minister of Social Welfare, and Minister of Women and Child Development.

**Presidency**

In 2007, Patil was elected as the first woman President of India, defeating Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the then-Vice President of India. She took office on July 25, 2007, and served a five-year term. During her presidency, Patil focused on issues such as women's empowerment, education, and rural development.

**Achievements and Impact**

Some of Patil's notable achievements and impact include:

1. **Women's Empowerment**: Patil was a strong advocate for women's rights and empowerment. She launched several initiatives to promote women's education, health, and economic empowerment.
2. **Rural Development**: Patil emphasized the importance of rural development and launched several programs to improve the lives of rural communities, including the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).
3. **Education**: Patil prioritized education and launched several initiatives to improve access to education, particularly for girls and women.
4. **International Relations**: Patil played a key role in promoting India's international relations, particularly with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

**Awards and Recognition**

Patil has received several awards and recognition for her contributions to Indian politics and society. Some of her notable awards include:

1. **Padma Vibhushan**: Patil was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in 2009.
2. **Bharat Ratna**: Patil was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 2012, although she had already left office.

**Personal Life**

Patil is married to Devisingh Shekhawat, a politician from Rajasthan. The couple has two sons, Rajendra Shekhawat and Sarvagya Shekhawat. Patil is known for her simple and humble lifestyle, and she has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and social justice throughout her career.
Pratibha Patil is an Indian politician who served as the 12th President of India from 2007 to 2012. Born on December 19, 1934, in Nadgaon, a small village in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Patil hails from a family of modest means.

**Early Life and Education:**
Patil's father, Baliram Patil, was a farmer, and her mother, Shirubai Patil, was a homemaker. She received her early education at a primary school in her village, and later, she moved to the Sabarmati Ashram School in Ahmedabad. She then attended the Mooljee Jhabhua College in Jalgaon, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955. In 1962, she earned a Master of Arts degree in political science from the Nagpur University.

**Career:**
Patil began her career as a teacher and later became involved in politics, joining the Indian National Congress in 1962. She held various positions in the Congress party, including that of Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from 1967 to 1970, and Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1970 to 1980. In 1974, she became the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. In 1984, she served as a Cabinet Minister in the Maharashtra Government, and from 1986 to 1990, she held the position of Chairman of the Maharashtra Women's Development Corporation.

**Presidency:**
In 2007, Patil was elected as the 12th President of India, making her the first woman to hold the office. She won the election with a majority of 65.6% of the total votes cast. As President, she served two five-year terms, from 2007 to 2012. During her tenure, she oversaw various significant events, including the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement and the Beijing Olympics. She also received several foreign dignitaries, including the US President, George W. Bush, and the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.

**Achievements:**
Patil's notable achievements include:

1.  **First woman President of India:** Patil's election as the first woman President of India marked a significant milestone in the country's history, paving the way for future generations of women leaders.
2.  **Promoting women's empowerment:** Throughout her career, Patil has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and empowerment. As President, she implemented various initiatives to promote women's education, employment, and leadership.
3.  **Preserving cultural heritage:** Patil took a keen interest in preserving India's cultural heritage, particularly its music, dance, and art forms. She promoted the restoration of several cultural institutions and supported the promotion of Indian arts and crafts.

**Impact:**
Patil's impact on Indian politics and society is significant. She challenged traditional stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of women leaders. Her commitment to promoting women's empowerment and preserving cultural heritage has inspired many Indians and served as a role model for women around the world.

**Post-Presidency:**
After completing her two terms as President, Patil returned to public life, continuing to advocate for women's rights and empowerment. She also established the Pratibha Patil Foundation, which aims to promote education, healthcare, and economic development in rural India. Today, Patil remains a respected figure in Indian politics and a symbol of women's empowerment in the country.