By IANS
New Delhi : President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday greeted people on the occasion of Diwali, hoping the festival would bring happiness to all.
While Patil urged people to be inspired by the festival to help the marginalized, Manmohan Singh hoped the festival would bring peace and prosperity to the neighbouring countries too.
In her message on the eve of the Diwali, Patil said: “Let this festival of lights inspire us to help those as yet untouched by the light of education, health and prosperity.”
Manmohan Singh said in his message that the festival was a “harbinger of joy, happiness and prosperity”.
“It celebrates the victory of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. It is a national festival in which all communities rejoice and contribute to promoting brotherhood and camaraderie.”
In an apparent reference to the political turmoil in Pakistan, where emergency has been declared, the prime minister said: “May this Diwali bring peace and prosperity to the people of our nation, to our neighbours and the world at large.”
Congress president Sonia Gandhi also greeted people on the occasion and hoped that the “joyous festival usher in peace, prosperity and progress” all over the country.