Kalam, PM greet nation on Parsi New Year

The President and the Prime Minister on Saturday greeted the people on the occasion of Parsi New Year.

President APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday greeted the people on the occasion of the Parsi New Year, urging them to spread happiness and work hard to make the country prosperous.

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Extending his greetings and good wishes to all citizens, particularly the Parsis on the eve of Navroz, Kalam said: "The Navroz  festival signifies a new dawn, when mother nature rejoices in her spiritual beauty by bringing in the new."

"May we spread happiness on this day and work hard to make our nation happy, peaceful and secure with prosperity. On this happy occasion, let us also open our hearts and share our happiness with those who are in need," Kalam said in his message.

"The contribution of the Parsi community to the cause of nation building is well recognised and a source of great pride," Manmohan Singh said in a separate statement.

The Prime Minister said the community has excelled in diverse fields and brought glory for themselves as well as the country. "The Parsis represent the best traditions of India's composite culture and diversity," he added.

According to the 2001 census, India has a Parsi population of 69,601.