The President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has expressed great concern over the rising trend of crime against women in the country.

Addressing the 125th anniversary of IT College Lucknow, she asked the law-enforcing agencies to create a secure atmosphere for women. Emphasising for self-security, the President also asked the girls to learn Judo and Karate to protect them. She said, for creating a stable society, women need to be empowered.

Mrs. Patil said that empowerment of women translates into a single aspiration of creating conditions in society where women are equal partners in the family units.

The President said that the social condition of a nation can be gauged by the standing and status of its women. Mrs. Patil also released a first cover issued by the Postal Department on this occasion.

AIR Lucknow Correspondent reports that the President was given a warm welcome at Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport on her arrival. She was welcomed by the Governor, Mr. B.L. Joshi and the Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati. Massive security arrangement has been made during the visit of the President.