While interacting with the women, the President said formation of the groups gave the women folk confidence which is the key to success in all spheres of life. She said the formation of the SHGs provided women with the opportunity to show their talents. She also stressed on the need to provide training to them so that they can produce quality products.

While in Guwahati the President also gave away the Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP), which was held at the Sarusajai Sports Complex. The Nirmal Gram Puraskar Awards-2008 under the Total Sanitation Campaign for eastern India was awarded to 1,059 winners (gram panchayats) from 13 states including eight from the North East. Speaking at the function the President said that consumption of unsafe drinking water and lack of personal hygiene has been a major cause of diseases in the country, resulting in high child and adult mortality, especially in rural areas. Calling for the active participation of women in the sanitation drive, the President said that sanitation and hygiene had a bearing on the dignity, health and security of women, and they could be the prime movers of the sensitisation campaign.

On the 21st of October, President Patil was in Tezpur to lay the foundation stone of the Tezpur Medical College. Speaking on the occasion she said that healthy citizens made a healthy nation. The North eastern states with their potential for progress would definitely benefit from having healthy citizens, who can ignite economic growth in this region. The President said that there is an urgent need for augmenting medical institutions in the country. She insisted that health care professionals form the backbone of the medical system in the country and having enough number of skilled medical personnel is essential for making affordable medical facilities available too all. But the President rued the fact that the number of medical professionals remains inadequate and this is reflected in the extremely low doctor to patient ratio, especially in the rural areas of the country.

Lauding the decision of the Assam government to establish the Tezpur Medical College, the President said it will cater to patients from Arunachal Pradesh as well as the neighbouring districts of Sonitpur, Darrang, Nagaon, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur. The State Government has earmarked Rs 170 crore for Tezpur Medical College.

While in Tezpur, President Patil also visited the Army’s 4 Corp Headquarters. Addressing a Sainik Sanmilan, the President appreciated the arduous tasks which are being performed by the soldiers in adverse terrain like that of the North East region. She also lauded the Army for doing a commendable job in tackling the insurgency problem of the region.

After Assam, The President of India also visited Meghalaya on the 22nd and 23rd of October 2008 and attended a series of programmes during her two day stay in the state. On the first day of her visit President of India unvailing Greater SHillong Water Supply Scheme President Patil laid the foundation stone of the Rs. 194 crore Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (Phase III) about 30 km from Shillong. The scheme is sanctioned under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). During the foundation stone laying ceremony she laid stress on proper and time-bound implementation of projects under various schemes.

On the 23rd of October 2008, President Patil visited Tura. After a gap of 56 years, President Patil became the first President of India to set foot in Garo hills. The last President of the country to set foot in Garo hills was Dr. Rajendra Prasad. In Tura, the President inaugurated the Baljek airport which is 35 kms from the district headquarters of West Garo hills. While inaugurating the airport, the President said that in a large country like India, road, rail and air connectivity are important particularly in remote areas for speedy development. “The opening of the Baljek airport would open up the Garo hills region to the world, encouraging tourism and serving as an important engine for growth,” the President commented. The inauguration of the airport was put off on two earlier occasions.

After her return from Garo hills the same day, the President also attended the centenary celebration of the Laban Bengalee Girls’ Higher Secondary School. She also met the Governor, Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Donkupar Roy his cabinet colleagues, women NGOs and Padmashree awardees from Meghalaya.

During her stay in Shillong the President was mesmerised by the scenic beauty of Shillong. Describing Shillong as one of the leading hill stations of India she said that she has finally found an opportunity to fulfill her long cherished desire of visiting the scenic state. The President was also highly impressed by the matrilineal society of Meghalaya.