New Delhi, 11 October (H.S.): Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other prominent leaders on Sunday extended their heartfelt greetings to the people of the country on the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

Vice-President Radhakrishnan, in a post on X, expressed his prayers for the blessings of Goddess Durga, saying, “May the blessings of Maa Durga bestow strength, courage and wisdom upon us all. With the grace of Maa Jagadamba, may we fulfil our resolve to build a strong, prosperous and developed India.”

Prime Minister Modi said he prayed that the grace of Maa Jagadamba would bring happiness, peace, prosperity and good health into everyone’s lives, while further strengthening the nation’s resolve towards unity and progress.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the King of the Mountains, the Himalayas, symbolises patience, unwavering determination, purity and steadfast faith.

He observed that worshipping the Goddess inspired people to move forward in life with discipline, courage, a strong sense of duty and inner strength.

“May the boundless grace of Maa Bhagwati fill every heart with compassion, every family with happiness and prosperity, and society with love, unity and harmony,” Om Birla said.

He further expressed hope that, with the blessings of Maa Shailputri, the country would continue to advance along the path of peace, justice, righteousness and human values. He added that the sacred festival would infuse everyone’s lives with renewed energy, positivity and hope while further strengthening the nation’s resolve to build a strong, harmonious and developed India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the divine manifestation of the Goddess inspired reverence for nature, perseverance in life and an unwavering commitment to standing firm in the face of adversity.

“May Adi Shakti Maa Shailputri bring happiness, peace and prosperity into everyone’s lives,” Singh said.

Offering prayers to the Goddess, he described her as the benevolent deity who grants devotees their heartfelt wishes, with a crescent moon adorning her forehead, riding a bull and holding a trident. He paid his respects to the revered Maa Shailputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said he prayed that the blessings of Maa Jagadamba would bring happiness, peace, prosperity and good health to everyone, while further strengthening the nation’s commitment to unity and progress.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari noted that Maa Shailputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

“Countless salutations to Maa Shailputri. May the Divine Mother bless everyone with self-discipline, peace and positive energy,” Nitin Gadkari said.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion, expressing hope that the festival would bring peace, joy and prosperity into everyone’s lives.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar