The President Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil has extended her greetings on the eve of International Women's Day. In her message, The President said that Empowerment of women is crucial for the empowerment of the nation.

She said women in India can play an important role by highligting issues vital to their progress and growth and launching campaigns against social practices that are detrimental to women and the girl child.

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development Ms Krishna Tirath said the day is an ocassion to renew the pledge and commitment to holistic development and realization of full potential of women.