Who Is Pratibha Patil? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on December 19, 1934, Pratibha Patil is currently 90 years old. An esteemed Indian politician and lawyer, she served as the 12th President of India from July 25, 2007, to July 25, 2012. Pratibha Patil made history as the first woman to hold the office, breaking gender barriers and paving the way for future generations of female leaders in India.
Patil's political career spans several decades, with roles that include Governor of Rajasthan and Minister of State for various departments. Her legacy and impact on Indian politics continue to be a topic of discussion and admiration.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1934 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Nadgaon, Bombay Presidency, British India |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Pratibha Patil's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Pratibha Patil, known for her dignified presence, stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm). While her weight is not publicly disclosed, she has maintained a modest appearance over the years, reflecting her dignified role in public service.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pratibha Patil is married to Devisingh Ransingh Shekhawat, with whom she shares a strong partnership that highlights mutual respect and collaboration in both personal and professional endeavors. The couple has a daughter and a son, enriching their family life with valuable experiences. As of 2025, there are no reports indicating any romantic involvements outside her marriage.
Those opposed to Patil becoming president claimed that she lacked charisma, experience, and ability. They also highlighted her time spent away from high-level politics and queried her belief in the supernatural, such as her claim to have received a message from Dada Lekhraj, a dead guru.
Various specific issues were raised, such as a comment made by her in 1975 that those suffering from hereditary diseases should be sterilised. Another alleged that while a Member of Parliament for Amravati she diverted Rs 3.6 million from her MPLADS fund to a trust run by her husband.
This was in violation of Government rules which barred MPs from providing funds to organisations run by their relatives. The parliamentary affairs minister denied any wrongdoing on Patil's part and noted that the funds are used under MPLADS, by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Pratibha Patil's estimated net worth stands at around $5 million. During her presidency, she earned an annual salary of approximately ₹1.5 million, contributing to her wealth. Post-presidency, Patil has continued to engage in various philanthropic activities, potentially augmenting her net worth through advisory roles and public speaking engagements.
Career, Business and Investments
Pratibha Patil's illustrious career is marked by her passionate commitment to public service. She was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress (INC) and held various ministerial roles throughout her political journey. Following her presidency, she has remained active in social causes, particularly focusing on women's empowerment and education.
Patil has also engaged in numerous social projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities. While she may not be involved in conventional business investments, her work has likely influenced various NGOs and charitable organizations.
Due to the presidential role being largely a figurehead position, the selection of the candidate is often arranged by consensus among the various political parties and the candidate runs unopposed. Contrary to the normal pattern of events, Patil faced a challenge in the election.
The BBC described the situation as "the latest casualty of the country's increasingly partisan politics and [it] highlights what is widely seen as an acute crisis of leadership". It "degenerated into unseemly mudslinging between the ruling party and the opposition".
Her challenger was Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the incumbent vice-president and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran. Shekhawat stood as an independent candidate and was supported by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a group led by the BJP, although the Shiv Sena party, which was a part of NDA, supported her because of her Marathi origin.
Social Network
Pratibha Patil has not been as engaged on social media platforms as many modern-day public figures, owing to her earlier career starting long before the digital age took off. However, she maintains a presence in social circles related to political discourse and social activism.
Her official connections are often celebrated on various news platforms during significant events and public engagements, allowing her contributions to be recognized and appreciated by a broader audience.
In addition, Patil founded a cooperative bank, Pratibha Mahila Sahakari Bank, that ceased trading in February 2003 when its licence was cancelled by the Reserve Bank of India. Among other failings, the bank had given illegal loans to her relatives that exceeded the bank's share capital.
It had also given a loan to her sugar mill which was never repaid. The bank waived these loans, and this drove it into liquidation. The government liquidator of the bank, P. D.
Nigam, said, "The fact that relatives of the founder chairperson (Pratibha Patil) were among those indiscriminately granted loans and that some illegal loan waivers were done has come up in our audit." Six of the top ten defaulters in the bank were linked to her relatives.
The INC claimed that Patil had not been involved with the bank since 1994 but The Indian Express reported that it had official documents showing her involvement as late as 2002.
Education
Pratibha Patil holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Mithibai College, Mumbai, and later received a law degree from the University of Bombay. Her educational background laid a solid foundation for her career in law and politics, equipping her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public service.
She was the daughter of Narayan Rao Patil. She was educated initially at R. R.
Vidyalaya town and subsequently was awarded a master's degree in Political Science and Economics by Mooljee Jetha College, Jalgaon (then under Poona University), and then a Bachelor of Law degree by Government Law College, Bombay, affiliated to the University of Bombay (now University of Mumbai).
Patil then began to practice law at the Jalgaon District Court, while also taking interest in social issues such as improving the conditions faced by Indian women.
