New Delhi, Dec 31: President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari today extended their greetings to fellow citizens on the occasion of New Year.

In her message, President Patil said, "As the sun rises over 2008, may this New Year bring peace, prosperity and happiness to everyone.

“In this New Year, let us all strive to work for the betterment of the nation and do our little bit in making the world a better place by helping the underprivileged and the needy, ” Patil added.

In his greetings, Vice President Mohammad Ansari said that the dawn of the New Year also ushers in new hopes and expectations.

“As millions of our citizens face the immense challenges of poverty, illiteracy and ill health, we should resolve to tackle these on a priority basis. This requires the concerted efforts of every one of us, ” Ansari said.

“The hopes and expectations of becoming a developed nation free from these problems, where every citizen can fully realize one’s potential, can only be fulfilled when we resolve to work in unison with dedication and commitment, ” the Vice President added. (ANI)