President, PM greet nation on Janmashtami

New Delhi, Sep 3 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice President M Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the occasion of Janmashtami, which is being celebrated tomorrow.

In her message, the President said the life and teachings of Lord Krishna had a universal message of doing our duty without thinking about the rewards.

''May this festival inspire all of us to follow the path of virtue and righteousness in thought, word and deed,'' she said.

Extending his ''hearty greetings and good wishes,'' Mr Ansari said the festival reminded us of the birth, simplicity and heroic deeds of the young Lord Krishna ''who is immortalised in our popular consciousness. We must derive inspiration from the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.

''On this occasion, let us rededicate ourselves to the teachings of Lord Krishna and work for the creation of a just and peaceful society.'' In a message, the Prime Minister said, ''Janamashtami reminds us of Lord Krishna's eternal message of performing one's duty without any expectation for reward. Let us follow the divine teachings of Lord Krishna pledge to rededicate ourselves to the welfare of the people and of our country. May the festival herald peace, prosperity and happiness for all.'' UNI