Prez, PM greet nation on Mahavir Jayanti, Milad-un-Nabi

New Delhi, Apr 10: President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation on the occasions of Mahavir Jayanti and Milad-un-Nabi.

In a message to ''our people in India and abroad'', Dr Kalam said that on the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Hazrat Mohammad Sahib, ''I would like to share with you the Prophet's answer on actions that are excellent.

''To gladden the heart of a human being, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful and to remove the wrongs on the injured.

''Lt us resolve on this day to follow this great saying and help the needy and gladden the hearts of those who are in distress.'' In the Mahavir Jayanti message, the President said Lord Mahavira renounced thw world for the cause of humanity and preached Ahimsa, truth and compassion.

''May his noble teaching continue to inspire us to strive for love, peace, harmony and amity and work for the unity and progress of our motherland,'' he said.

In a message, Dr Singh said Lord Mahavir's life and teachings ''are a shining beacon, which lead us on the path of truth, sacrifice, non-violence and right conduct. His profound message will remain eternally relevant for all times''.

Greeting people on the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the Prime Minister said the teachings of the Holy Prophet continued to guide mankind on the path of equality, brotherhood and compassion.

''His message has never been more relevant than it is today,'' Dr Singh said, adding: ''May the festival of Milad-un-Nabi bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all.''

UNI