E-Paper
‘Empowering women is top priority’
My stress has always been on women empowerment. Such empowerment cannot happen if these issues are not addressed, says Pratibha Patil.
Your first reaction on your candidature?
It was completely unexpected. But it is a great honour. It means great respect for women. And you have to be prepared for everything.
What will be your priorities if elected to Rashtrapati Bhavan?
I know India is doing great under the Prime Ministership of Dr Manmohan Singh. But still there are a few dark areas. For example, the poor — they must all be raised above the poverty line. We must put science and technology to good use to improve their lives.
Women’s empowerment is another issue. I would stress on rural development and agriculture too. We are making good economic progress but the benefits should filter down to the poor. There are also other areas which people pay little heed to.
What areas would these be?
The social evils of female foeticide and child marriages. My stress has always been on women empowerment. Such empowerment cannot happen if these issues are not addressed.
