Pratibha takes oath, repeats UPA's promises in speech

President Pratibha Patil today spoke of her concerns for the children, women and the poor sections of society while emphasising the urgency for "inclusive growth" as the country moves fast on the path of historic economic growth.

Her speech after taking oath as first woman President of India was replete with promises made in the ruling UPA's Common Minimum Programme.

She said, "It should be our combined endeavour to sustain the historic (economic) growth and ensure that it is socially inclusive. We must ensure that every section of our society ""particularly the weak and the disadvantaged "" is equal partner in, and beneficiary of, the development process."

Patil, who has a long experience of social work at the grassroots levels, said, "We must banish malnutrition, infant mortality and female foeticide." While showing concerns for the children, Patil said, "We must launch a relentless campaign against poverty, ignorance and disease to seek a better future for our children."

Women's education, she said, was the key to their empowerment.

In an apparent reference to the controversy raised by the BJP's sustained campaign against her during the campaigning for Presidency, Patil said she was conscious of her responsibilities and invoked the names of Ambedkar and Jawahar Lal Nehru to make her point.

"As President, I assure the people of India that in upholding the Constitution, I will always be inspired by the stirring message of Dr Ambedkar who emphasised the need to hold fast to the constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives."