President, PM greet people on Buddha Purnima

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation on the eve of Buddha Purnima, saying the message of love and peace of Lord Buddha were relevant in present times also.

In his message the President said Lord Buddha's teachings of non-violence, love and compassion were of eternal significance in the present times.

''Let us all turn to the Tathagata's message of Ahimsa and Karuna and follow the noble eight-fold path for restoring peace, harmony and unity amongst people,'' he said.

The Prime Minister said Lord Buddha showed humanity the enlightened path of peace, non-violence and virtuous living.

''His eternal message continues to guide us to a society where spiritual and material salvation is possible for one and all. May Buddha Purnima usher in peace, propserity and happiness for everyone,'' the Prime Minister said in his message.

UNI