New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and other political leaders today greeted the people on the occasion of Independence Day and Janmashtami and asked them to rededicate themselves to serve their country with devotion.

''We should rededicate ourselves to realise the goal of making India a developed country free from the scourge of poverty, illiteracy and under-development,'' he said in an Independence Day-eve message.

Separately, he also greeted people on Janmashtami, saying it ''reminds us of the timeless relevance of Sri Krishna's birth and enjoins upon us to follow His immortal teachings, which have the power to rid us from turbulence and moral decay''.

Punjab Governor Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues greeted the people and called for effective steps to check female foeticide.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh extended his warm greetings on the eve of the Independence Day.

In his message, Mr Singh called upon the people to take a pledge on this solemn day to rededicate ourselves to make Punjab as a front runner state on the national map. He asked the people to imbibe the spirit of nationalism and patriotism which was the essence of a strong nation.

Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar and Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav extended their greetings and good wishes to the people on the occasion of the 60th Independence Day.

The Governor in his message paid glowing tributes to all known and unknown martyrs and brave sons of India who laid their lives for the sake of country's Independence.

The CM asked people to work together to develop UP into a prosperous state.

Pondicherry Lt Governor Mukut Mithi greeted the people and asked the people to rededicate themselves to fullfill the aspirations of the founding fathers of the nation ''to make India stand tall'' among nations.

Kerala Governor R L Bhatia extended his hearty greetings and good wishes to the people.

UNI TEAM PA PM1710