The out going President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil was given a ceremonial sent off at the Central Hall of Parliament on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Meira Kumar said, President Patil was an outstanding personality, who strived for the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden. She said, being the first woman President, Mrs. Pratiba Devi Singh Patil had fostered women empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, President Patil called upon Parliamentarians to work together to meet the aspirations of the people. She said India is a large and diverse country and the Parliament represents the people. Lauding her successor and President Elect Pranab Mukherjee Mr. Patil said, Mr. Mukherjee's political experience and deep knowledge of the democratic system will be an asset for the country.

Vice-President, Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, senior BJP leader, Mr. L.K.Advani and leaders of opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were present on the function.

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee the new President and will take oath on Wednesday.