I'm committed to serving people: Pratibha Patil

PUDUCHERRY: The UPA-Left presidential nominee Pratibha Patil on Thursday sought the support of legislators here, saying she was committed to serve the people in the highest traditions of democracy.

Addressing a meeting of legislators of the ruling Congress and its alliance parties, Patil said she had the unique privilege of having been nominated as the candidate of the UPA-Left and other supporting parties for the presidential election.

"Sixty years after independence, our republic would have a woman president," she said. Her election, she said, would be a victory for millions of citizens of this great country.
    
Patil said she was deeply conscious of the great honour bestowed on her and was aware of the "awe inspiring responsibility of the office of president".

Seeking the support of the legislators for the presidential poll, she said, "I would continue to serve the nation with humility and a deep sense of duty."

She noted that Puducherry represented the harmonious synthesis of several cultures, languages and influences. "Puducherry is an eloquent symbol of India's cosmopolitan ethos," she said.

"We are an ancient civilisation but a young nation. As we try to modernise the world's largest democracy, the Constitution is the foundation for our socio-economic development."