President of India’s Message on the Eve of International Women’s Day

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has in a message issued on the eve of International Women’s Day (observed every year on March 8) said: -

"On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to the women of India.

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore wrote "Woman is the builder and moulder of a nation's destiny. She is the supreme inspiration for man's onward march". Women have played an extraordinary role in shaping the destiny of our nation. I pay tribute to all women who have given this nation their invaluable gift of labour and love.

The celebration of International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to the security and welfare of women. Despite numerous legislations enacted to safeguard women, there is much that still remains to be done. Legislation alone cannot emancipate our women. There is a need for a fundamental re-setting of our mental and moral make-up as well as social conduct.

Let us on this International Women’s Day apply ourselves to the goal of bettering the lives and prospects of the women of India. Let us ensure that honour and respect is accorded to women at all times.”

This release issued at 1100 hrs.