New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday greeted people on the eve of Diwali.

"Diwali is a harbinger of hope and aspirations for a better tomorrow. It signifies the triumph of righteousness and victory of good over evil. May the lighting of lamps this year dispel the darkness of ignorance and suffering and illumine our lives with hope and prosperity," said Mukherjee in his message.

"Let us on this day try to bring happiness in the lives of the less fortunate and needy by lighting the lamp of love, care and sharing. May this festival of lights radiate happiness, peace and prosperity in every home across the country. Let us all celebrate a safe and pollution free Diwali," added Mukherjee.

Extending his greetings, Ansari wished peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness for the people. "I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, the festival of lights," Ansari said in a message. "Celebrated with traditional fervour and zeal, Deepawali signifies the victory of good over evil and reaffirms our faith in the noble and virtuous life of Lord Rama," he added.

Lok Sabha Speaker greets people on Diwali, salutes valour of soldiers

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Saturday conveyed her warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Diwali.

In her message, she said: "I convey my good wishes and heartiest greetings to all my brothers and sisters on the eve of Deepawali." "The festival of lights, symbolises the triumph of truth and knowledge over evil and ignorance. On this auspicious occasion, let us reaffirm our resolve to fight all those evil forces which threaten the unity of our nation and the safety of our people," she said in her message adding, "on this occasion, let us also salute the valour of our soldiers who guard our borders day and night."

"They (soldiers) are away from their families to save us from the evil designs of those who sponsor terror," she said. The speaker also said, "let this Deepawali be a celebration of Lord Rama's message of mutual respect, brotherhood and affection. I hope that the joy and gaiety of the festival will bring a message of a stable, peaceful and prosperous India."

IANS