2 Jan : Expressing serious concern over the "heinous" practice of female feoticide, President Pratibha Patil on Friday exhorted the Indian society to change its attitude towards girl child.Although women have excelled in various fields, they continue to face many problems and challenges due to the narrow-mindedness of some in the society, Patil said after unveiling the statue of Maharaja Shri Agarsenji at Banjara Hills .
"Domestic violence, harassment at work place, oppressive attitude, differences in education and employment opportunities are among many challenges being faced by Indian women which we all need to solve," Patil said.
"I have seen that the act of female foeticide prevails more in the educated and affluent society, which is a cause of worry," the President said.
Favouring equal rights for women in society, Patil asked women to become more aware of their rights.
The President felt that imparting education to the girl child and women could play a vital role in changing the society’s attitude towards them.
Patil appealed the society to vow to eradicate social evils such as dowry, child marriage, female foeticide and alcholism and work towards bringing the poor and backward classes on the path of development.
The present education system should be revamped in such a manner that apart from academics, students should be given trade skills enabling them to take up employment immediately after completing education, Patil said.
There is an urgent need for imparting human values among youth to make them responsible citizens, Patil said adding that a nation could develop only when its citizens become more responsible.
"Even as India is positioning itself to become a global player, we also need to concentrate towards minimising the gap between the rich and the poor," Patil said.
"This can be only achieved if we focus on all-round development of all sections of the society," she said.
The Government has launched many schemes for rural development, improving employment opportunities, education and health, but people, particularly voluntary organisations, can also play a important role on this front, Patil said.
Stating that Maharaja Agrasenji propagated non-violence, socialism, brotherhood and equality among all, she said, "The youth of today should look upon Agrasenji as a role model and work towards betterment of the society."
The President also said that the policies formulated by Agrasenji to end social evils then, are relevant even today, and that "We need to follow in his footsteps".
Andhra Pradesh Governor N D Tiwari, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, MP and National President of All India Vaish Federation Gireesh Sanghi were also present.