Indian president emphasizes more steps for protection of women

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has emphasized that more steps would be taken by the government to protect women through enactment of relevant laws, on the occasion of International Women's Day on Sunday.

The president's message on the day also appealed for a " fundamental re-setting of mental and moral make-up as well as social conduct" for a more protective environment for women in the country.

"The 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," he said.

"Let us ensure that honor and respect is accorded to women at all times," he added.

He quoted Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore: "Woman is the builder and moulder of a nation's destiny. She is the supreme inspiration for man's onward march."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had appealed for a change in the people's mindset as he recently launched various government economic and social projects aimed at empowerment of women. Endi