President in Pune; talks about India, Gandhi

Pune, July 5 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today said India have been making rapid progress in all areas, which has been recognised by foreign countries also.

Making her first visit to the city after taking over as the president of the country, Ms Patil was falicitated by Pune Municipal Corporation here this evening.

The first woman president of India pointed out that after visiting to 14 foreign countries, she has realised that India has been making advancement in every field.

She also touched upon the popularity of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi in each of the countries she had recently visited.

Citing the example of Pune being the cultural capital of Maharashtra, she said Lokmanya Tilak, who was from this city had played a great role in acheiving democracy in India. She also said in states like Maharashtra and West Bengal social development has been the highest in comparisim to other state.

Shiv Sena Leader Manohar Joshi, who was also present on the occassion, made a strong appeal to the President to deal strongly with terrorism and take proper action wherever necessary.

City Mayor Rajlaxmi Bhosale said Pune has been lucky to have a lady president from Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Ms Patil regretted the inconvenience caused to the people due to traffic restrictions imposed during her three-day visit to the city.

UNI SP/DWN AKJ CS2247