President Pratibha Patil and Vice President M Hamid Ansari on Thursday greeted countrymen on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.
Patil sent her good wishes from Mexico City, where she is on a state visit.
"On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my countrymen," she said.
In his message, the Vice President said that Lord Mahavir's life and teachings are a beacon of light to guide mankind on the path of humanism, non-violence and universal love.
His teachings have the power to transform the society and free mankind from the shackles of ignorance, violence and moral decay, Ansari added.
Born in 599 BC, Lord Mahavir was the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain religion. He is revered for his teachings on humanism.