Hyderabad, March 7 -- Extending greetings to women on the occasion of International Women's Day, KT Rama Rao called upon young girls to stand on their own feet and strive for financial independence, an official press note said.

Speaking at an International Women's Day event held at Chandanagar in Serilingampally constituency, KTR said that economic independence is the true source of dignity and respect for women. Recalling that he himself has a 17-year-old daughter, he advised young women to focus on becoming financially independent before taking major life decisions.

He said that women gain recognition and respect in society only when they are capable of supporting themselves through employment or entrepreneurship without depending on ...