Guwahati, Oct 20: President Pratibha Patil today said that the gram panchayats play an essential role in development of villages by carrying out social mobilization.

Presenting the Nirmal Gram Puraskar to 1059 gram-panchayat representatives coming from 13 states of the Eastern and North Eastern part of the country here, Patil said many national and global problems including food security and climate change can be tackled by looking at sustainable development of villages and agricultural sectors.

“Villages have also an important role in maintaining peace and to be units of tolerance and harmonious living. Panchayats should take an oath that they will not resort to violence in their villages,” she added

The President said that sanitation is one of the important indicators that reflects quality of life of the people. It is important for the good health of individuals and plays a central role in building clean and hygienic society.

President Patil, who arrived here yesterday, presented the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award to noted film personality Shabana Azmi and Journalist Shekhar Gupta.

During her visit, President Patil will also address a meeting of the self-help groups. Besides, she will lay the foundation stone of the Tezpur Medical College, to be built by the Assam Government in Sonitpur district.

After spending three days in Assam, Patil will proceed to Meghalaya on Wednesday, where she is expected to attend the centenary celebrations of the Laban Bengali Girls Higher Secondary School.

The President will also inaugurate the Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. (ANI)