Thaindian News

New Delhi, Mar 8 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on the occasion of International Women’s Day today felicitated the country’s first paramilitary battalion comprising exclusively of women.

The first all-women battalion of the Central Reserve Police force (CRPF) was raised by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.

Addressing the battalion, President Patil praised the personnel, and said girls should be trained in martial arts at the primary education level.

“You all have proved that women can perform any task and can face any challenge. You all are encouragement for other women, and an example and inspiration for them. I wish that more and more women should join security forces,” said President Patil.

“It is very important to give extra attention to women’s physical training. Girls should receive martial arts training right from the primary education so that they can protect themselves from exploitation and violence against them,” she added.

President Patil said both men and women should proceed together for the country’s growth.

“It is very important for men and women of our country to be strong and proceed together for our country’s success. And also women’s collective working is also very important,” she said.

Over 800 women personnel pledged to donate their organs after death on the occasion.

The women’s contingent has won numerous gallantry awards and other awards, and also received commendations for their action during 2001 militant attack on Parliamentary.

The International Women’s Day, originally called International Working Women’s Day, is celebrated across the world on March 8 every year. It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women. (ANI)