India celebrates Women's Day on Twitter

As the world celebrates International Women's Day, politicians, celebrities and even a couple of police departments in the country took to social media on Wednesday to post special messages to mark the occasion.

Highlighting the Union government's various women-centric initiatives to facilitate economic empowerment, self-reliance and social equality for women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Saluting the indomitable spirit, determination & dedication of Nari Shakti on International Women's Day.”

As a Women's Day initiative, textile minister Smriti Irani announced on Twitter, a new category of awards named ‘Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay National Awards’ to honour women weavers and artisans. She tweeted: “On #WomensDay, @TexMinIndia celebrates women artisans & weavers by initiating a slew of measures for their social & economic development.” Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar greeted all women with a post that said that a nation can prosper only if women empowerment is complete.

Not to be left behind, Bengaluru City Police, on their official Twitter page, reiterated their stand on crime against women in a graphic post on social media. Making a statement to generation next, the Bengaluru City Police image said that it is old fashioned to not respect women. In another tweet, the Bengaluru City Police said: "Every Home/Heart/Feeling, Every Moment Of happiness is incomplete without U, Only U can complete this world…" #HappyWomensDay-2017"

Mumbai Police‏, on the other hand, dedicated the day to its women staff. In a 50-second video tweet, the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, D.D. Padsalgikar said, “On the international women's day, I would like to pay tribute to all the lady officers and staff of Mumbai Police. They are doing an outstanding job in taking care of various aspects of policing in the city. They are deployed in police stations, in special branches, and even in the local arms division. Most importantly, we even have a squad of lady commandos who are doing a fantastic job. I wish them all the very best and today, on the International Women's Day, we are going to felicitate a few lady officers and other constables who have done exceedingly well in various capacities, in various fields and have brought honour to Mumbai Police.” Along with the video, he tweeted: “Saluting every woman in the department serving the city selflessly, each day & every night #HappyWomensDay”

Later, Mumbai Police retweeted @CPMumbaiPolice's tweet, with a post: “A very happy #womensday to all the lady officers, constables & staff of Mumbai Police #OurPrideQuotient”

Meanwhile, actor Amitabh Bachchan shared his view on women through a beautiful digital artwork of his daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda kissing him. He also posted a photo with wife Jaya Bachchan and a still from his 2001 film, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The common post read: “T 2456 -"On International Women Day Without "HER "even "HERO " IS "0".."

Actor Shah Rukh Khan used the day as an opportunity to give a life lesson to his three-year-old son AbRam. In the post, the 51-year-old actor shared a photo of AbRam, seen from behind, holding the hand of a girl, who looks slightly older than him. His post said: "Hold her hand so that she can lead you. Happy Women’s Day".

Khan has often been vocal about his admiration for women, in general, and their strength. Last year, on Women's Day, Khan had posted: "Often I wish I was a woman…then realise I don’t have enough guts, talent,sense of sacrifice, selfless love or beauty to be one. Thk u girls."

India cricket team skipper Virat Kohli chose to post a tribute to the two 'strong women in his life'—his mother Saroj Kohli and girlfriend Anushka Sharma—on Instagram, while wishing everyone on the Women's Day. He posted a two-photo collage—one with his mother and another with Anushka—with the caption: “Happy women's day to every woman out there, but specially to the two strongest women in my life. My mom for looking after the family in toughest times in life and @anushkasharma for fighting against the odds regularly and standing up for righteousness and changing the norms ❤#happywomenday”.

On Twitter, the 28-year-old cricketer posted a GIF image, announcing the launch of the first-ever tee for women by his fashion brand WROGN, supporting women who have and are suffering from violence. In the post, he said: This one's for the ladies. Together we are #STROGN. Happy Women's Day. @StayWrogn #InternationalWomensDay”