In her statement, Sonia Gandhi reiterated women's position as harbingers of social transformation.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday extended her greetings on Raksha Bandhan and hoped that the "sacred festival strengthens family bonds and creates a safe society for women".
"Having evolved as a powerful symbol of symbiotic and mutual interdependence between individuals and communities, Rakhi represents our glorious culture," said Sonia Gandhi.
She hoped the "sacred festival strengthens family bonds and creates a safe society for women".
Reiterating women's position as harbingers of social transformation, Mrs Gandhi said: "Enrichment of love between brothers-sisters and respect of women is central to the idea of Raksha Bandhan."