Preparations for Pratibha’s big day are on

A day after she was elected India’s first woman president, Pratibha Patil met well-wishers including Cabinet ministers, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit and party leaders at her 11, South Avenue residence. She will move into Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 25 after being sworn in.

While she waits for July 25, the Home Ministry is preparing for the oath-taking ceremony at Parliament’s Central Hall. In keeping with practice, on the day of her swearing-in, Patil will be escorted to the President’s House to meet outgoing President APJ Abdul Kalam. After several ceremonies, Patil will be administered the oath of office and will then exchange seats with Kalam.