"When an elderly woman in a remote village proudly holds up the indelible ink mark on her index finger, she is telling the world that she has the power to make change in her country."
This was how President Pratibha Patil today described the "greatest festival of democracy in the world" — the General Elections in the country.
Congratulating the Election Commission for the smooth conduct of Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Democracy is one of the finest ideas that humankind has produced and every Indian election celebrates the freedom of choice that powers this idea."
Addressing the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, Patil said that election to Parliament is "truly the greatest festival of democracy in the world and this mammoth task has been executed exceedingly well".
She also noted that India has a unique place in the consciousness of the world as the largest functioning democracy.
The president said that she saw the "overwhelming mandate" the government has received as a "vindication of the policy architecture of inclusion that it put in place".
"It is a mandate for inclusive growth, equitable development and a secular and plural India. My Government is determined to work harder and better to realize these goals," Patil added.