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President calls for revival of spirit of tolerance

After deciding not play Holi this year, President K R Narayanan made public his anguish over the communal violence that rocked Gujarat saying it was important to revive the 'traditional spirit of tolerance' to establish peace and harmony among people.

"At this moment when communal disturbances are taking place in parts of our country it is important that we summon our traditional spirit of tolerance in order to establish peace and harmony among our people," he said in a message on the occasion of Holi on Friday.

Narayanan said that the festival of colours is symbolic of the multi-religious harmony that has existed in the country for centuries and the spirit of toleration that has been the essence of country's culture and civilisation.

A Rashtrapati Bhavan press release said, "In view of the communal disturbances prevailing in parts of the country the President will not celebrate Holi this year and not receive any visitor."

Vice President Krishan Kant, in his message, said, "Let us play Holi safely and peacefully, in the true spirit of this unique festival, free from discord and disrespect."

He said that the festivities associated with Holi not only help the people transcend all barriers of religion, caste and status, but also strengthen the feeling of sharing and community bond.

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