On International Women's Day in India, President Pranab Mukherjee will give away the Nari Shakti Puraskars in New Delhi. The award is given to eminent women and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of women empowerment. In his message on the eve of International Women's Day, Mr Mukherjee said, generations of Indian women have made an invaluable contribution to the development and progress of the country.
He said, the Centre has introduced and implemented historic legislations and far sighted programmes for women's
empowerment and equal participation in nation building. He said, 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' is an important initiative to prevent female foeticide and provide educational opportunities for female children in the country. Mr Mukherjee also called upon the people to reaffirm their commitment to gender equality and the true empowerment of women.
Defence Ministry will organise the Awareness Programme on the problem of anaemia on the occasion. Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry is also organizing a conference on Women and Sports in India.