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 Hearty congratulations to all of you on 'Eid-ul-Fitr' or

'Eid'.

 India is a country of diverse religions, communities

and castes. Unity in diversity is the main feature here.

Festivals have played an important role in uniting

these diverse groups of people. People of one religion

congratulate them on the festivals of other religions.

 As you all know that 'Eid-ul-Fitr' or 'Eid' has been

celebrated with great devotion and gaiety by the

Muslim people spread across India as well as in all

corners of the world just a few days ago (11 th April).

 Eid day is considered a very happy day in Islam. On

the day of Eid, people not only seek forgiveness from

Allah for their sins but they also pray to Allah for

themselves and their close ones.

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 It is described in history that Eid-ul-Fitr was

celebrated by Prophet Mohammad with his relatives

and friends after the victory in the battle of Jang-e-

Badar in 624 AD. This incident was an important

turning point in the life of Prophet Mohammad.

Expressing happiness over the victory of Prophet

Sahib, people had distributed sweets and celebrated by

preparing various types of dishes. That is why it is also

called “Meethi Eid”.

 Eid marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is

a festival of expansion of feelings of love, compassion

and affection. On this day, without any distinction

between rich and poor, all Muslims offer Namaz

together and also participate in each other's happiness.

'Fitr' in 'Eid-ul-Fitr' means charitable gift. In Islam,

giving Fitr i.e. charity is the most important aspect of

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Eid. On this day, before the Namaz, it is necessary for

all the affluent Muslims to give Fitr to the poor, so that

they too can celebrate their Eid and join in the

happiness.

 This festival of Eid is celebrated on the first day of the

moon setting of Ramzan and the next day after the

moon of Eid is visible. This is one of the two Eids in

Islam. (I also wish all of you the best wishes for the

second Eid-ul-Zuha or Eid of Sacrifice, which is

coming after a month, in the month of June).

 The month of Ramazan has special religious

significance for the Muslim society. In their view, it is a

month of self-purification. All Muslims keep fast for

the whole day in this month. They follow this so

strictly that they do not consume even a single drop of

water throughout the day.

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 It inspires man for purity and purity of mind.

Undoubtedly, if we follow the basic principles of this

holy festival, then the enmity and hostility between

people i.e. discrimination of man against man can be

reduced to a great extent.

 Our country has always been run on the idea of

'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. 'Vasudhaiva

Kutumbakam' means "the world is one family". It is a

Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu texts such as the Maha

Upanishads. The phrase emphasizes a global

perspective. It translates to "one Earth, one family,

one future". It reflects respect for all forms of life.

 In today's times, there is a great need for people of all

religions in India to move together. This unity should

stand as a testament to the rich ‘Tapestry’ of diversity

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and harmony within the cultural fabric of India and

that is deeply rooted in history.

 As you all know that even when India was a slave of

the British, we all united and fought for freedom

without considering any religion, caste or class and

India became independent.

 I would like to say one thing of Gandhi ji here that he

believed that "We have not yet achieved unity to the

extent that we can bear any tension. It is a plant

growing every day, which is still in a delicate state."

This unity requires special care and attention before

Hindus and Muslims and people of all other religions

have to learn to stand alone against the whole world.

My faith is as strong as ever that people of all religions

will one day be friends, no one can tell when and how

this will happen. But He has entrusted us with the ship

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of faith which alone can enable us to sail the sea of

doubt.

 Here I believe in one thing said by the late poet Iqbal

that we, people of all religions, who have lived together

for a long time under the shadow of the mighty

Himalayas and who have drank the waters of the

Ganga and the Yamuna, have a great future for the

world. There is a unique message.

 This festival shows sacrifice and dedication towards

religion. It tells that a person should sacrifice his

desires for the sake of humanity, so that a better

society and country can be built. In fact, the festival of

Eid plays an important role in spreading happiness in

the society, becoming a partner in the happiness and

sorrow of neighbors and spreading harmony among

people.
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 Once again many congratulations to all of you on 'Eid-

ul-Fitr' or 'Eid'.

Thank you,
Jai Hind!