Prez, PM greet people on holi

New Delhi, Mar 14 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the occasion of Holi and exhorted them to strengthen secularism and forge fellow feeling.

''On the occasion of Holi, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all my people in India and abroad,'' said Dr Kalam in his message.

The festival of colours reminds the nation of the vibrant colours of its multi-cultural society and diversity, said Dr Singh in his message.

''Holi provides an opportunity to forge new bonds of fellow feeling among our citizens,'' the Prime Minister said.

''May this year's festival strengthen our ethos of secularism and pluralist society'' with a spirit of tolerance and respect for each others' feelings which is the essence of the Indian civilisational heritage, said the President.

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat too greeted the nation hoping the festival would fill the lives of the people, especially the poor and the deprived, with peace, prosperity and happiness.

UNI FZ AT DS1322