New Delhi, December 31
On the occasion of Id-ul-Zuha and the start of the New Year, President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation and urged them to spread the message of happiness by sharing and work for the progress and development of the country.
President Kalam said Id-ul-Zuha was "a day of remembrance of the great sacrifice and a thanksgiving to the Almighty who has bestowed everything to humanity. It is a beautiful mission for every family to give to the needy. By giving, God multiplies happiness to the family," he said.
The President also said 2007 could be the "year of spreading happiness".
"Happiness will spread everywhere if citizens decide to give. Giving gives happiness. Giving can be of anything like sharing
knowledge, removing pain and empowering with a part of one's rightful earning," the President said.
Dr Manmohan Singh also said Id epitomized the spirit of sacrifice and sharing. "Hazrat Ibrahim's shining example of selfless sacrifice should inspire everyone to subordinate self-interest to the greater good of humankind. It is an occasion to reaffirm our responsibility towards the less privileged sections," he said.
He added, "The New Year gives us an opportunity to dedicate ourselves to the consolidation of the gains of the past and to work for new horizons of progress and development.
"India enters 2007 with a sense of confidence and purpose. We need to sustain the upward curve of economic prosperity, which should be inclusive and bring succour to the underprivileged and weaker sections of society.
"May 2007 bring peace, prosperity, health and happiness to all," he added.
