By IANS
New Delhi : President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday greeted the nation on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, urging people to follow the path of “virtue and righteousness” and to pledge to rededicate themselves to the welfare of the country.
In a message on the eve of the festival, Patil said: “Signifying the triumph of virtue and righteousness, the life and teachings of Lord Krishna have a universal message. Lord Krishna in his message has preached duty without thought of reward.
“May this festival inspire all of us to follow the path of virtue and righteousness in thought, word and deed.”
In his message Ansari said: “The festival reminds us of the birth, simplicity and heroic deeds of the young Lord Krishna who is immortalised in our popular consciousness. We must derive inspiration from the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.”
He added: “On this occasion let us rededicate ourselves to the teachings of Lord Krishna and work for the creation of a just and peaceful society.”
Greeting people on the auspicious occasion, Manmohan Singh said: “Janmashtami reminds us of Lord Krishna’s eternal message of performing one’s duty without any expectation of reward.
“Let us follow the divine teachings of Lord Krishna and pledge to rededicate ourselves to the welfare of the people and of our country. May the festival herald peace, prosperity and happiness for all,” the prime minister said.