As the country celebrated Raksha Bandhan yesterday, President Pranab Mukherjee urged people to re-double their efforts to protect women.

“The Rakhi is a thread of affection that sisters tie on the hands of their brothers. We must remember that this gesture is not a mere ritual, but a powerful act that obligates every man to ensure the safety and security of our women,” he said at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.