PRATIBHA PATIL SWORN IN AS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF INDIA

Pratibha Patil was today sworn in as the country's first woman President. She was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan at a function in the Central Hall of Parliament House here.

The function was attended by a host of VVIPs, including outgoing President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union ministers, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, opposition leaders, governors, chief ministers and members of the diplomatic corps.

A 21-gun salute was accorded to Patil after she was sworn-in as the country's 13th President.

She solemnly affirmed by the oath, which she took in English.