New Delhi, Dec 31 : Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have extended their greetings to fellow citizens on New Year.

In his greetings, Ansari said that the dawn of the New Year is always welcomed with renewed hope, which can only be fulfilled by working together with resolve and dedication.

The Vice President called upon the people to take a pledge on the eve of the New Year to strive towards building a strong, united, peaceful and prosperous India.

"Several challenges facing the country including poverty, illiteracy, ill health, unemployment and terrorism should be addressed on a priority basis with the cooperation of every citizen so that the nation takes its rightful place in the comity of nations," the Vice President added.

In his separate message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hoped that the year 2009 would bring with it a better future for everyone. He also wished that the New Year would bring peace and prosperity to the world.

"The beginning of the New Year is the time to firm up our resolve to work for the development of our country and for the well-being of our country-men", the Prime Minister added. (ANI)