CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister  Parkash Singh Badal and Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues on Sunday extended their warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of 'Ram Naumi, the birthday of Lord Rama.

 In his message, Badal said that this sacred day symbolizes the unity of mankind and brotherhood besides moral and spiritual values preached by Lord Rama (Maryada Purshotam). Mr.Badal said that Lord Rama showed us the path of ideal and virtuous living to carve out a prosperous and harmonious society. The Chief Minister called upon the people to follow the teachings of Lord Rama in true spirit, which were still relevant in the present materialistic society besides redeeming the mankind from the yoke of evils.  He said; 'such pious occasions not only promote a sense of communal harmony and mutual understanding amongst the people but also showers joy and prosperity on them'.

Badal appealed the people to celebrate this sacred day collectively rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

In a message, General Rodrigues said that Ram Navami, a festival of great social and religious merit reminds us of the high ideals of morality, sacrifice and righteousness propagated by Maryada Purushottam Ram.  He said that this occasion also reflects the feelings of the people of our country, wedded, as they are, to the values of secularism and humanism.  May the festival bestow prosperity, peace and happiness on all and continue to inspire us to inscribe the ideals of compassion, justice and humanitarianism in our hearts, he added.

The Governor appealed to the people to celebrate this festival collectively, in a spirit of traditional gaiety, amity and devotion, rising above considerations of caste, creed and religion and share joy and happiness with each other.