Monday, October 10 2005 15:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Greeting people on the occasion of Durga Puja, President A P J Abdul Kalam today expressed hope that the festival would inspire people in building a society in which women are equal partners in the development of the nation.

Extending his greetings, the President said, "Durga puja is the celebration of the triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil. This festival teaches us to inculcate the habit of overcoming odds and problems in our daily lives.

"May this festival inspire us to tread the path of moral and rectitude and build a society in which women are empowered and are equal partners in the mission for the over all development of the nation," Kalam said.