Change Negative Perception about Women: Indian President
December 26, 2012: The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has called for changing
negative perceptions about women. He was speaking at the special Convocation of Banaras
Hindu University being organized to mark the concluding ceremony of the birth centenary
of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on 25th December 2012. The President
said women must be treated with respect and 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. India's history, traditions, religions and
cultural values as well as the Constitution demands nothing less. He called upon the
faculty and students of BHU to take the lead in spreading awareness and sensitizing
society at large on gender issues.
Describing Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviaya
a statesman, scholar, educationist, journalist, social reformer and legislator, the
President said his contribution to the making of Modern India has been immense and
varied. Malaviyaji dedicated his whole life in the service of the nation. He was a
great votary of women's education. His emphasis on women's education and empowerment
should inspire us to redouble efforts in this regard.
The President unveiled
the Foundation Stone of Centre for Inter-Cultural Studies and Centre for Human Values
and Studies. He also launched a website on Mahamana and released Commemorative Coins
in his memory on the occasion.