President Pratibha Patil has a word of advice for Maharashtra legislators: “Maintain decorum of the world’s most successful Parliamentary democracy and use your presence in the august house to extract maximum benefit for the underprivileged.”
Addressing legislators after unveiling Chhatrapati Shivaji’s statue at the Vidhan Bhavan, Patil said that elected representatives were responsible for seriously discussing various issues and resolving them quickly because “people want development much faster these days”.
The programme was part of the state legislature’s golden jubilee celebrations.
“Our parliamentary democracy has been accepted the world over. You must strengthen it because it’s a symbol of our nation’s aspirations. And, you must be thankful to people for electing you as their representatives.”
Patil expected legislators to not only work for the people but also advise them properly.
She asked them to emulate the values of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was known as a secular administrator, and his descendant King Shahu, who had initiated social reforms a century ago when untouchability was a way of life and education to women was barred in most of pre-Independence India.
Earlier, the president presented awards to outstanding legislators and senior state leaders who have shifted to national politics.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, the president presented awards to outstanding legislators and senior state leaders who have shifted to national politics.
{{/usCountry}}She also released a biography of King Shahu of Kolhapur.