Prez, PM wish people on eve of traditional NY

New Delhi, Mar 18: President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the eve of the traditional New Year festivals celebrated in various parts of the country.

''On the auspicious occasion of Vikram Savatsar, Chaitra Sukladi, Gudi Padava, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all our people... May the celebrations of these joyous festivals promote among our people the values of tolerance and fellow feeling and strengthen their traditional bonds of amity, understanding and harmony,'' Dr Kalam said in his message.

In his message, Dr Manmohan Singh said that these festivals ''not only signify the amazing cultural diversity of our country but also attest to its underlying unity.'' ''These traditional New Year festivals are occasions of joy and happiness and provide us an occasion to look forward to the future with hope,'' he said, adding his hope that these festivals would ''usher in peace, prosperity and harmony to all.''

UNI