President, PM, vice president greet nation on Mahavir Jayanti

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Vice President Hamid Ansari Tuesday greeted the nation on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the last tirthankara (saint) of the Jains, which will be celebrated Wednesday.

In his message, Mukherjee said: "On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my heartiest greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens and in particular to the Jain community."

"May the life and noble teachings of Lord Mahavira inspire us to abjure violence in thought, word and deed and to always adhere to the path of ahimsa (non-violence)," he added.

Manmohan Singh said Lord Mahavira's teachings of the supremacy of life and the equality of all living forms inspire us to a life of non-violence and compassion.

"His philosophy is as relevant today with increasing incidents of crime and violence against vulnerable sections. May this festival bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all countrymen," he added.

The vice president said Vardhman Mahavir's teachings of following right faith, right knowledge and right conduct for human salvation are as relevant as ever before.

"Let us resolve to follow his message in order to create a peaceful, non-violent and compassionate society," said Ansari.