New Delhi, March 17: On the joyous occasion of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to the nation. Earlier in the day, President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu had also wished the nation on the auspicious occasion.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a programme to mark Ugadi in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh via video conferencing said, "Ugadi means the beginning of an era. Ugadi is the festival of the beginning of human life. It is the festival of the starting of creation of the world."

He went on to add, " This is the festival of new hopes and aspirations. This is the festival of nature and environment. This is the festival of new initiation in life." Talking about the importance of Srisailam, he further said, "Maharshi Ved Vyas said people who visit here get rid of all kinds of bondage." He also praised saints by saying that they kept India going despite numerous attempts were made to destroy country's culture and traditions.

"There were numerous attempts to hurt our prestigious culture and traditions when India was chained to slavery. It tolerated everything and kept going ahead. What was it that kept it going? Saints like you," the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi also exhorted saints to sensitise people about racism, black money and corruption. "The country is passing through a very important period today. Not only racism, black money and corruption are harming the country. Your contribution in awakening people towards them is very important," Prime Minister Modi said. He also sought saints' support in building the nation.

"There is a need to make people aware of the efforts being made to divide the society. The central government is doing its best to build the nation but your blessings in this regard will increase our energy," the Prime Minister said. He also outlined the government's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and 'Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas' (all together, development for all) for the benefit of common man.

On the eve of Ugadi, leaders of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh extended their wishes to the nation. Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister K Palaniswami also extended their greetings to the nation. “On the happy occasion of Ugadi, I extend my hearty greetings and best wishes to the Telugu and Kannada speaking people of the State. While rejoicing in the festivities of Ugadi and upholding our glorious traditions and customs, let us all resolve to work together to usher in progress and development”, Purohit said.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Edappadi K. Palaniswami said that that “Telugu and Kannada speaking people in Tamil Nadu have been mingling as siblings for a long period with the people of the State and it is a matter of pride”. In an official release, Palaniswami wished all-round prosperity for those celebrating Ugadi tomorrow.

To send wishes to your loved ones on this auspicious day, we have compiled Best Gudi Padwa 2018 WhatsApp Messages, Facebook Quotes, GIF Images & SMSes to Send Happy New Year Greetings. A very happy Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand 2018 to all the readers of LatestLY. (With Agency Inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 17, 2018 11:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).