Constitution is the strength for weaker sections, says Pratibha Patil

PUNE: Former President Pratibha Patil on Saturday said the weaker sections of the society can always draw strength from the Constitution, while drafting which Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar laid emphasis on equality.

"The country's Constitution is the strength of the weak in the society and continues to be a guiding light for us in present times," Patil said at a function to inaugurate a library named after Ambedkar at the Symbiosis College in Pune.

She regretted that atrocities were being committed in the name of religion and condemned the acts of terrorist group Islamic State (IS), responsible for violence perpetrated on innocent people.

"This is perversion of Islam," she said referring to the dreaded militant outfit.

The former President noted that Ambedkar gave India a Constitution that provided protection against atrocities in the name of religion.

On the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Ambedkar's vision of India was ahead of his time and his work provided the foundation for the country's economic progress in the era of global liberalisation.

The library will serve the needs of those interested in the study of Ambedkar's thoughts and have collection of all his important works.