When President Pratibha Patil created history by flying in an Indian fighter aircraft, her family based in Pune was very much around. Her daughter Jyoti Rathore, who stays in the city with her husband Jayesh, daughter Vedika and son Dhruvesh, was present at the Lohegaon Air Force Station.

Describing her feelings at the moment, Rathore elaborated, "I was thrilled to see my mum take off in the plane.

I did not imagine that she would do such a thing at this point in her life. Even though, she has slight pressure problem, she was physically fit. She was cool and calm."

And both Patil's grandchildren Dhruvesh (15) and Vedika (10) skipped school to witness the historic moment.

Rathore and the kids are also quite excited to join Patil for dinner at the Raj Bhavan.

Talking about her mother's busy schedule, Rathore recalled that they have seen her work tirelessly from their childhood. Even when they visit her in Delhi they get to see her only during lunch and dinner.

And the fact that she crossed this milestone, "doesn't surprise us at all".