President Pranab Mukherjee greeted the nation Thursday on the eve of Dussehra and wished the festival would strengthen the "moral foundations" of the society.
"Dussehra symbolizes the victory of truth over untruth. It is an occasion which teaches us that those who follow the path of virtue, goodness and righteousness always emerge victorious," said a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement.
"May the festival inspire us to inculcate in ourselves these imperishable human values and help in creating a society where peace and harmony always prevails," the president said.
"May this year's Dussehra invoke in us a strong desire to work for the unity and well-being of the country, and strengthen the moral foundations of our society," he added.
The president extended his "heartiest greetings" and "good wishes" to all the fellow citizens.
Vijaya Dashami as Dussehra is also called will be celebrated Friday.
