President, VP, PM greet people on Buddha Purnima

New Delhi, May 01 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the occasion of Buddha Purnima tomorrow, 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 Vice President said Lord Buddha, through his divinity, had showed the eternal path of ahimsa, right conduct and universal love.

He said Lord Buddha's teachings were a ''timeless beacon'' which had enriched human lives through guidance and spiritual solace.

''Bhagwan Buddha's birthday is a moment to re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals for which he lived his life, to create a just, peaceful and contended society in which everybody lives with dignity,'' Mr Shekhawat 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