India, Nov. 11 -- A brother's responsibility towards his sister must go beyond protection to include respect for her choices, dreams and freedom, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Tuesday in her message on Bhai Dooj.

She called women's safety, dignity and self-reliance essential to building a strong society.

Extending greetings to people across Delhi, the Chief Minister said the festival celebrated the enduring bond between brothers and sisters, built on affection, trust and the promise to stand by each other through life.

But she added that the relationship also carried a broader message of mutual respect and sensitivity within families.

The Chief Minister said the traditional mark a sister applies to her brother's forehead expresse...