President, PM greet nation on Baisakhi

New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the occasion of Baisakhi.

Dr Kalam said he was extending his greetings and good wishes particularly to those engaged in cultivation and agriculture.

''This harvest festival is an occasion to remember our farmers who sweat and toil in the fields to bring good harvests and happiness to our homes.

''On this day, let us pledge to work to develop our rural communities so that our mission of a developed India touches the remotest parts of the country and everybody is benefited leading to prosperity of the nation,'' the President said.

Dr Singh said he was greeting the nation on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Vishu, Tamil New Year and Mesadi, wishing them peace, prosperity and happiness.

In a message, the Prime Minister said that these harvest festivals symbolise hope and celebration of hard work by farmers.

They also give us an occasion to express our thanks and gratitude towards the farmers who form the backbone of our society and economy.

''May Baisakhi, Vishu, Tamil New Year Day and Mesadi this year usher in peace, prosperity and happiness for all, the Prime Minister added,'' Dr Singh said.

UNI