Kalam, Shekhawat, Manmohan greet nation on Diwali

New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) President APJ Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation on the occasion of Diwali, wishing the citizens peace, prosperity and happiness.

Conveying his ''warm greetings and good wishes to all in India and abroad'' the President said Diwali, the festival of lights, is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

''May this year's festival open the people's hearts with compassion for the needy and spare time to share their joy and happiness. Happiness which spreads from home to home ultimately leads to a happy society and a happy nation,'' Dr Kalam said.

Mr Shekhawat said the festival marked the ''triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and of truth over untruth. The festival emphasises the importance of these values in our lives and unites all in a common bond of brotherhood''.

''May the great festival bring peace, prosperity and happiness ib the lives of all'' he added.

The PM said Diwali symbolises the ''ascendancy of light over darkness, of good over evil and of hope over despair. It instills confidence and courage in the hearts of people that truth and righteousness are bound to prevail over the forces of evil. Its celebration by people from diverse faiths is a significant affirmation of the great secular tradition of the country.'' ''May Deepawali this year usher in peace, happiness and prosperity for all,'' Dr Singh hoped.

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