The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has urged the people to re-double their efforts for the protection and welfare of women. The President was speaking at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, to mark the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

The President said, "The Rakhi is a thread of affection that sisters tie on the hands of their brothers. We must remember that this gesture is not a mere ritual, but a powerful act that obligates every man to ensure the safety and security of our women. I would like to call upon the nation to re-double efforts for the protection of women and their welfare. We must ensure that the women of our country feel safe and secure at all times.

All necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the full rights of women are protected. Abhorrent practices such as female foeticide and dowry deaths should be brought to an end. Further, the welfare of the girl child should be a priority.

May this festival be an occasion for all of us to pledge that we will dedicate ourselves to the wellbeing of the women of India, particularly the girl child".

Students and children of various schools and social organizations from Delhi and adjoining areas participated in the function. The 40 students and children were from Pathways World School, Oasis Public School, Arya Gurukul, Lord Jesus Public School, Golden Bells Pre School, SOS Children's Villages of India, Ashta Rehabilitation Society, Government Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Modern Public School, St. Giri Senior Secondary School, Thakkar Bapa Residential Primary School, Udgam Pre School, Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya, Buniyad Play School, DAV Public School, Kidzee Liliput Play School, Lady Florence Public School, Bharatiya Netraheen Kalyan Parishad, Foundation Against Thallassaemia, Sapphire International School, RV Public School, Modern School and KR Mangalam World School. The students sang songs and recited poems as they interacted with the President and also tied Rakhis on him.

This release issued at 1515 hrs