Pongal Reflects Farmers’ Toil, Cultural Unity: PM
NEW DELHI: In an apparent support to voters in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Pongal celebrations at the Union external affairs minister’s residence to brief and release L. Murugan in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister said that Pongal is a festival that celebrates the hard work of farmers and expresses gratitude to the land and the Sun. He noted that the festival represents balance with nature, family and society, and that the labor of those who maintain agricultural life is respected.
With Assembly elections to be held in Tamil Nadu in the coming months, Modi is also expected to visit the state later this month. Sources said he will address a public rally during his maiden visit to Tamil Nadu on January 23 this year, but the venue is yet to be finalised.
The Prime Minister’s presence at the Pongal celebrations, attended by prominent members of the Tamil community, including actors of the recently released film Parasakthi, was seen as a symbolic aid to the southern state.
Modi stated that Pongal has become a global festival celebrated with enthusiasm by Tamil communities and fans of Tamil culture around the world, adding that he sees himself among them. He stated that it is a matter of privilege to celebrate this festival, which reflects the feeling of gratitude to farmers, soil and sun.
He said that it was a joy to have participated in various programs related to Tamil culture last year. Recalling his visit to the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, the Prime Minister said he felt a deep connection with his Tamil heritage. He also talked about the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, where he experienced the energy of cultural unity, and his visit to Rameswaram for the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge, where he witnessed the magnificence of Tamil history.
Describing Tamil culture as one of the oldest living civilizations in the world, Modi said that it is the common heritage of the entire nation and humanity in general. He added that festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.
Observing that almost all civilizations celebrate festivals linked to agriculture, the Prime Minister said that in Tamil culture, farmers are considered the basis of life. Referring to Thirukkural, he said that it attaches great importance to agriculture and the dignity of farmers.
Emphasizing that farmers are key partners in nation building, Modi said their efforts strengthen the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”. He reiterated the Union government’s commitment to empower farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.
Stating that Pongal inspires people to make gratitude towards nature a way of life, he stated that sustainable agriculture, water management under the “More Crop Per Drop” initiative, natural agriculture, agricultural technology and added value will play a very important role in the future.
Recalling a recent conference on natural farming in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister praised Tamil youths who chose to work in agriculture, leaving other professional pursuits behind. He called on young farmers to expand their efforts towards a sustainable agricultural revolution, emphasizing that development should ensure food security, economic prosperity and environmental protection.
Modi, who had earlier conveyed Pongal greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu and Tamils around the world, said that the festival symbolizes the richness of Tamil traditions. In a letter written in Tamil and English, he said Pongal is also an opportunity to express gratitude to all those who enrich lives with their hard work.
