New Delhi, Sept 07: President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today wished people on the eve of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. "On the joyous occasion of Onam, I extend my warm greetings to all our people in India and abroad," Kalam said in his message, a release from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"Onam is a time to enjoy the benefits of a bountiful harvest, which has come through the determination and sweat of farmers," Kalam said while expressing hope that the festival would impart the virtues of hard work in people of all age groups. In his message, Vajpayee said the festival had a special significance this year as the country had experienced good monsoons, which is "bringing prosperity, joy and happiness".
"I extend my heartiest wishes to the countrymen particularly to my Malayalee brothers and sisters all over the world, on the auspicious occasion of Onam. Being a harvest festival, Onam brings with it splashes of colour," he said in a statement. The Prime Minister said the country had enjoyed good rains this year and farmers are rejoicing and the economy is in an upbeat mood. "As we begin to harvest the well-earned fruits of our labour, we see the vision of a strong and self-sufficient India. Our farmers are key partners in the realisation of this vision," he said.
People of Kerala have shown tremendous entrepreneurship and determination for hard work, Vajpayee said adding, "They have made a mark wherever they are and have earned recognition in all walks of life all over the world." Bureau Report