The full text of the message :

“I am pleased to send this message on the occasion of International Children’s Day marked this year under the theme ‘Treasure our Children’. Our joy on this occasion is further increased by our having fulfilled most of our responsibilities towards our children, setting an example to other nations.

"Among the steps taken for the betterment of our children is making our country a safe and secure place for them.”

“ Similarly, in crucial areas such as education, health and nutrition, this government has made rapid strides better than in any other era in this country. Our greatest success has been in extending these facilities to rural areas too, without limiting them to urban areas.

“Our children are the inheritors of our current achievements. These become more meaningful when children are inculcated with righteous and ethical values.

“I believe that in order to brighten the future of our children, it is important for parents and elders to understand them and be sensitive to their childhood needs. Such an attitude would help to completely eradicate child abuse from society. Once the government joins with the temple, kovil, church and mosque to strengthen the religious atmosphere and with civil society and the entire society in the cause of the child, the safety of children will be assured. This will enable the theme of International Children’s Day this year ‘Treasure Our Children’ to be meaningful.

“I wish the International Children’s Day celebrations every success.”