By IANS
New Delhi : New President Pratibha Patil Wednesday called for "socially inclusive" economic growth and promised that it would be her "sincere endeavour" to live up to people's expectations.
Patil, 72, speaking soon after she was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, said: "I am fully aware of the great responsibilities placed on my humble shoulders."
Addressing a large gathering in the Central Hall of parliament, she described herself as the republic's "first servant". The country's first woman president also said: "Empowerment of women is particularly important for me."
"Today India stands at a new threshold of progress. Our combined endeavour should be to ensure that the rate of economic growth is sustained and it is socially inclusive," Patil said.
The new President said she would be committed to the eradication of social evils like illiteracy, malnutrition and infant mortality.
Paying tributes to the freedom fighters, Patil said she got inspiration from women freedom fighters such as Rani Lakshmi Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal and Kitturu Chennamma.