President urges nation to follow moral path on Dussehra eve

"On the joyous occasion of Dussehra, I extend greetings and best wishes to my fellow countrymen in India and abroad," said Mukherjee in a statement.

"May this festival inspire us to emulate the righteousness of the Maryada Purushottam (Ram), the loyalty of his brothers Bharath and Lakshmana, the virtues of Sita and the valour as well as humility of Hanuman," he said.

"Let each one of us resolve to follow the path of moral and ethical rectitude which has guided us for centuries," he added.

"May the celebrations bind the communities and regions of India in a true sense of brotherhood and motivate us to make renewed efforts for the unity and progress of our country," the statement said.