Indian president greets women on eve of International Women's Day

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday extended greetings and good wishes to all women of this country on the eve of International Women's Day. "On the occasion of the International Women's Day, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to women in all parts of our country. I thank them for their invaluable contribution in the making of our great nation," President Mukherjee said in a statement. He added "Women in India have attained greatness through the ages -- in political, academic and spiritual spheres. They enjoyed freedom and equal participation in public life in ancient India. Not only does the constitution grant equality to women, but also empowers the state to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favor of women." The Indian president also asserted about the safety of women, saying "Women should be provided a safe, secure and congenial environment in which their talents can flower and they can contribute their full share in the building of our nation. On this International Women's Day, let us resolve to redouble our efforts for the protection and welfare of women."