One would think that in 2007 Indians too in the end would realize the necessity to have a dynamic, charismatic figure as president. This person must visit different countries show that India today is capable of offering good investment and business opportunities, assist in getting Indians abroad good treatment and show people at home and outside the dignity and pride of India. Can she do this? Will she represent India as growing world economy or the prejudiced universal view of India motherland of starving millions? Now Ms.Patil not only lacks all these qualities, but appears to be a lady that has suffered the indignities of war and not got over it. She could represent the suffering Indians but does not. She has no charm that one can see or observe in her remarks.
Well if we are looking at Presidentship as "Brand Ambassador" on the World Stage, then Shilpa Sethi could do a better job.
But if you look at Presidentship in the context of Today's Indian Political Scenario where Coalition Govt. is the order of the day not only at the centre but also in many states, we need to have a President with huge experience in Political arena.
And Mrs. Patil fits the bill.
She has more than 40 years of Political life, more than 25 years as MLA, Cabinet Minister holding all most all portfolio in some or other time, oppsion leader, Lok Sabha Member, Rajya Sabha Member and Deputy Chairperson.
She is as experienced as outgoing VP Shri Shekhawat, more literate though.
She has very strong view-points and has never been shy of expressing. Recent "purdah controvery" is one of that proof. It might not have been politically correct at that point of time, but she only expressed her view-point which was one of many view-points by historians on "purdah system".
Though she is loyal to congress, she surely has independent mind. That politicians in Maharashtra were witness in 1980's.
So you need to look at Presidentship in different context than how she looks etc..
RE:Pratibha Patil
by ashok leyland on Jul 22, 2007 09:56 PM Permalink
I don't think you were paying enough attention: I said that capabilities and dynamic figure is what we need, I did not mention the so called idea of beauty that you feel corresponds to Shilpa Shetty, nor testimonial to a product. As you yourself point out she is not even politically correct. We need new ideas, progressive thinking not the ancient political thoughts that has kept India under developed for the past 60 years.
