The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the occasion of Durga Puja has said:-
"On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend warm greetings to all my fellow citizens both in India and abroad.
Goddess Durga is the embodiment of Shakti. She is the divine feminine force that governs all cosmic creation, existence and change. Durga Puja celebrates the triumph of righteousness over evil.
May this festival help us rise above all man-made divides and spread peace, happiness and prosperity in our country. Let us pray that Goddess Durga bless us with strength, courage and determination so that we can succeed in our efforts to build a just, humane and equal society.
Let us, resolve to accord the highest of honour and respect to women at all times.”
This release issued at 1120 hrs.