The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has urged the nation to re-double its efforts for the protection and welfare of women. Speaking at a function at Rashtrapati Bhawan on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, Mr. Mukherjee said that people must remember that the gesture of tying Rakhi is not a mere ritual, but a powerful act that obligates every man to ensure the safety and security of women.

Emphasizing that the rights of the girl child should be fully protected, the President said that wrong practices like female foeticide and dowry deaths should be brought to an end. About 40 students from various schools and social organizations in the capital participated in the function and tied Rakhis on the president's wrist.