New Delhi, Dec 24 : President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari today greeted the people on the joyous occasion of ''Christmas''.

In her message, the President said, "On the joyous occasion of Christmas, let us recall the teachings of Jesus Christ and pledge to dedicate ourselves to spread his universal message of love and compassion. Let us also ensure that people from the disadvantaged sections of the society are also able to participate in this celebration, which is indeed the spirit of Christmas."

New Delhi, Dec 8 : Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation ahead of the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Zuha which is being celebrated to mark the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and also coincides with the Haj Pilgrimage.

New Delhi, Dec 3 : Vice President Hamid Ansari understand the need for crashing a barrier free environment for persons with disabilities.

After presenting the ‘National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with the Disabilities’ at a function organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment here today, Ansari said that disability needs to be part of all programmes, policies and legislation with the objective to achieve equality in all political, economic and social spheres.

Male (Maldives), Nov. 11 : Visiting Indian Vice President M. Hamid Ansari met former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom at his private residence here on Tuesday.

Gayoom was the president of Maldives for almost 30 years. Ansari will also meet his successor Mohammed Anni Nasheed at President office and holds talks on a wide range of issues.

Male, Nov 10 : Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has arrived in Maldives’ capital Male on a two-day visit, where he will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected President of Indian Ocean Island Republic, Mohammed Nasheed on Tuesday.

Forty-one-year-old Nasheed was elected as the President of Republic of Maldives in the first ever multi-party Presidential elections held on October 28, this year. He defeated Maumaoom Abdool Gayoom, who was undisputed ruler of the Maldives for 30 consecutives years.

Today, Ansari will take part in the reception hosted by the Indian High Commission.