President, PM greet the nation on Buddha Purnima

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

In her message, the president said: "The teachings of Lord Buddha, especially of ahimsa, righteousness and universal love are of eternal relevance."

"On this occasion, let us rededicate ourselves to follow these teachings towards building a harmonious society and encouraging national amity," said Patil, who is visiting South Africa.

Buddha Purnima, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, falls on Sunday.

Ansari also greeted the people and hoped the teachings of Lord Buddha "of compassion, non-violence and equality should serve as a beacon for humanity in its path towards spiritual emancipation".

Manmohan Singh said: "Gautama Buddha's teachings of dharma based on love, compassion and non violence are timeless and as relevant in today`s world."

"May the message of Lord Buddha inspire us to follow the path of truth and compassion and devote ourselves to serve humanity," he added.