Prez, PM greet people on Sankranti, Pongal

New Delhi, Jan 13: President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the people on the occasion of Makara Sankranti and Pongal, hoping that the two festivals inspire the people to work for the unity and progress of the country. Wishing the people happiness and prosperity, Mrs Patil said may Makara Sankranti and Pongal, which fall on January 14 and 15, respectively, ''bind each one of us in fraternal love and affection''.

Mr Ansari expressed the hope that the two festivals, which reflect the country's glorious cultural traditions and promote the values of sharing and generosity, bring amity, prosperity and happiness in the lives of all. Dr Singh said the festivals of Lohri, Makar Shankranti and Pongal were a strong symbol of ''our shared ethos and culture''.

''These harvest festivals, celebrated across the country, bring the promise of growth and prosperity. May they bring good luck and happiness in all our lives this year.''

UNI