President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said that women have played an extraordinary role in shaping the nation's destiny.
"On the occasion of International Women's Day, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to the women of India," said President Mukherjee in his message issued on the eve of International Women's Day, which is observed every year on March 8.
"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," he added.
President Mukherjee said 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," said President Mukherjee.
"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," he added.
