New Delhi, Apr 5 (PTI) Citizens should follow all government guidelines and practice social distancing to contain the spread of coronavirus, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Sunday.

In his message on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti, Kovind said Lord Mahavira's noble teachings of non-violence, truth and renunciation are relevant in every age and for every person.

"Let us get inspiration from Lord Mahavira's life and his teachings for spreading peace, love, virtue and harmony in the world,” he said.

By following these teachings, an inclusive and egalitarian society can be created where everyone gets equal opportunities by promoting mutual coordination and harmony, the president said.

Keeping in mind the spread of COVID-19, he said, "Citizens should follow all government guidelines, including social distancing, to contain it."

According to a statement by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he also extended greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially the Jain community.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)