Pratibha Patil ushers in new era: Hooda

Chandigarh, July 25 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has congratulated Mrs Pratibha Patil for assuming the office of President of the country today, thus, becoming the first woman to head the Indian Republic.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said with Ms Patil assuming the highest office, a new era had begun ''reaffirming the resolve of the UPA Government at the Centre that women are an equal partner in our collective efforts to make India more developed and stronger.'' Under the able guidance of Ms Patil , he said, India would progress by leaps and bounds.

Mr Hooda expressed the hope that with her experience, acumen and farsightedness, Ms Patil would set new conventions and inspire the people, especially the women to perform their best.

''I hope she would live upto the expectations of the people of the country,'' she added.

UNI