Once in the land of Buddha––Bodh Gaya and
Rajgir––Pratibha made it a point to speak on the
cultural, religious and linguistic unity in diversity
of the country. Fully aware of the situation in her
home state the President stressed the need for
strengthening of the multi-cultural, multi-religious
and multi-lingual ethos of India.
Inaugurating the inter-university cultural programme,
Tarang, organized by Magadh University at Bodh Gaya
she said India is like a musical instrument with many
strings. Unless these are fine tuned, the instrument
will not produce sweet music.
She appealed to the people to eschew separatism and
parochialism. “Diversity of people, traditions and
languages combining together like tunes will help
build a great nation,” she said.
She call on the Gen-Next to contribute in protecting
the vast cultural ethos and tradition of India. Patil
said the duty of the universities was not only limited
to teaching as per its syllabus but also to encourage
the youngsters to be patriotic and prepare them to
face future challenges.
Patil, who was in her maiden visit to the state after
becoming the President, also appealed to the youths to
fight social evils like child marriage, dowry and
addiction and remain committed to social reforms.
After her visit to Rajgir and Bodh Gaya, the President
flew to Patna, where she will stay overnight at the
Raj Bhawan. However, late in the evening Patil
surprised many in the state when she, along with the
governor, dropped at the official residence of the
leader of opposition in the state assembly, Rabri
Devi. Railway minister Lalu Yadav, who in fact invited
her, played a perfect host as he introduced her to the
family members and senior partymen. The President
stayed there for 35 minutes. Later, Lalu told
mediapersons that he felt elated by her visit.
The President’s visit to Lalu’s place, ostensibly
without any prior information to the Press, is being
interpreted differently in the political circle of the
state. The media-persons were taken aback by this
sudden change in programme and lensmen later rushed to
Rabri Devi’s Patna residence to have some shots.
However, sources close to the ruling party told
BiharTimes that the President should have avoided
going to Rabri’s residence––though only a furlong away
from Raj Bhawan––as such unannounced visit can cause
breach in security.