PM greets nation on Diwali, appeals not to send him gifts

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation on the eve of Diwali, describing the festival as a harbinger of peace, joy and prosperity, and has appealed to people not to send him gifts.
In a message, the Prime Minister said the festival of lights, Deepawali, celebrates the victory of good over evil, and spreading of the light of learning.
The Prime Minister while thanking all those who have been sending him greetings and good wishes on the auspicious occasion, has also appealed to make donations to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund instead of sending him gifts.
He said the festival “is a harbinger of peace, joy, and prosperity in which all communities rejoice in amity and friendship and celebrate the solidarity of the nation.” “May this Deepawali bring peace and prosperity to all the people of our nation and to the world at large,” the Prime Minister added.