President, PM, Sonia greet nation on Eid

New Delhi - 07 Nov 2011 (IANS): President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi Sunday greeted the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Zuha, saying the ocassion rekindles faith in the ideals of peace and celebrates the spirit of giving and sacrifice.

In her message, Patil said: "I express my warm greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens and to my Muslim brothers and sisters, in particular."

"May this unique festival strengthen the foundations of our national unity and harmony and inspire us to work for the well-being of human beings," she added.

Ansari said the occasion highlights the virtues of sacrifice and inspires mankind for inculcating the spirit of compassion and love towards the downtrodden.

"May the spirit of this occasion bring harmony, peace and happiness in our lives," he said.

The prime minister said Eid-ul-Zuha celebrates the spirit of giving and sacrifice. "It is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to work for the welfare of those who are less privileged. May Eid-ul-Zuha bring peace, prosperity and joy for everyone," he said.

Greeting the country on the ocassion, Gandhi said it symbolizes the great sacrifice of sthe Prophet Ibrahim .

"The occasion rekindles our faith in the ideals of peace and service of humanity," she said.