(P)RESIDING OVER RAISINA
THE WEEK India|July 03, 2022
The first woman president of India looks back at her time in the Rashtrapati Bhavan
PRATIBHA PATIL
(P)RESIDING OVER RAISINA

The election of a new president of India will be held soon, and there has been a lot of curiosity about who will take charge next. The election of the president-the first citizen and head of the state-should be held with all dignity, as the president represents the whole nation and not any political party or group.

As a republic, India cannot have a hereditary king or queen. So, there is an elected president to lead the executive power in India. The expectation from the president is to perform the primary duty of preserving, protecting and defending the Constitution and the law of India, as made part of the oath of office. The powers and responsibilities that have been vested in the president may be classified as legislative powers, executive powers, military powers, diplomatic powers, judicial powers, financial powers and emergency powers.

SORTIE AND SORTING

When it comes to military powers, the president is the commander-in-chief of the Indian armed forces. When I was president, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major was the chief of air staff. He was about to complete his term and he came to see me. He suggested that I fly in the Sukhoi-30 MKI to boost the morale of airmen. I agreed. He told me that I needed to be physically fit. For the next three months, a medical team came to check my vitals and monitored me periodically. Then when I got an all-clear, I went to Pune and flew in the Sukhoi. After the flight, media-persons asked me if I was scared. I told them that if these young boys were unafraid and ready to sacrifice their lives for the country, why should I be scared in this old age? That day, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev called to congratulate me. I also visited the forward areas to see for myself the conditions in which the jawans work and live.

Denne historien er fra July 03, 2022-utgaven av THE WEEK India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 03, 2022-utgaven av THE WEEK India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE WEEK INDIASe alt
Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?
THE WEEK India

Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?

India look to win their third straight Test series in Australia, but ageing superstars and recent humiliation at home have cast a shadow on their hopes

time-read
6 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk
THE WEEK India

Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk

PEOPLE WITH CONSTIPATION have an increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure, finds an international study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
THE WEEK India

Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing

SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Efficiency and innovation
THE WEEK India

Efficiency and innovation

As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Level up
THE WEEK India

Level up

Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
THE WEEK India

HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL

While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 01, 2024
Mind matters
THE WEEK India

Mind matters

Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Cutting edge
THE WEEK India

Cutting edge

Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
The smallest cut
THE WEEK India

The smallest cut

Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Signalling a revolution
THE WEEK India

Signalling a revolution

Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin

time-read
7 mins  |
December 01, 2024