By IANS
Jalgaon (Maharashtra) : President Pratibha Patil has urged lawmakers and affluent people to work towards ensuring that the fruits of India’s hard earned freedom and economic progress reach the backward sections of society.
Speaking at a function organised here by the Jalgaon district felicitation committee and the town’s municipal corporation, Patil Friday echoed the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “The freedom we have achieved will be worthwhile only when its light permeates every nook and corner of the country and tears are wiped off the last man’s eyes.”
A rostrum cast in the shape of Delhi’s historic Red Fort was erected at the police ground here for the function to felicitate the president on her first visit to her hometown after assuming office.
Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was the guest of honour, eulogized Patil for raising the status of Maharashtra by becoming the president and yet retaining her humility.
Union Minister of State for Home Manikrao Gavit, Maharashtra Education Minister Vasant Purke and Jalgaon District Guardian Minister Vijaykumar Gavit were guests of honour at the function in which Patil’s husband Devisingh Shekhawat was also felicitated.
Mayor Tanuja Tadvi presented the president with a scroll of honour and a memento bearing her picture besides those of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A traditional Maharashtrian sari called Paithani was also presented to Patil.