Prime Minister Narendra Modi enthusiastically joined Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in New Delhi on Sunday.
Extending warm wishes for Pongal, the Prime Minister remarked on the festive atmosphere enveloping every home in Tamil Nadu. Modi expressed his desire for an unceasing flow of happiness, prosperity, and contentment in the lives of all citizens. Acknowledging the recent Lohri celebrations and the upcoming festivities like Makar Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Magh Bihu, he conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the citizens for the ongoing festive period in the country.
Modi, delighted to recognize familiar faces from last year's Tamil Puthandu celebrations, thanked L Murugan for the invitation, equating the gathering to celebrating with family and friends.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of the great saint Thiruvalluvar, the Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role of educated citizens, honest businessmen, and a bountiful harvest in nation-building. During Pongal, where a fresh crop is offered to God, Modi highlighted that 'Annadata Kisans' are at the core of this festive tradition.
Underlining the rural, agricultural, and farmer connections embedded in every Indian festival, Modi recalled his previous discussion on the link between millets and Tamil traditions. He expressed joy at the increasing awareness of the superfood Shri Anna (millet) and the burgeoning number of youth venturing into millet-based startups. More than 3 crore farmers engaged in millet farming are directly benefiting from this promotion.
Reflecting on the tradition of creating Kolam outside homes during Pongal, the Prime Minister explained the intricate process of connecting dots to form a magnificent artwork. Likening India's diversity to the Kolam, he emphasized that when every corner of the country emotionally connects, the nation's strength takes on a new form. Modi noted that the festival of Pongal mirrors the national spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat."
He highlighted similar displays of unity in traditions like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, where the Tamil community enthusiastically participates. The Prime Minister emphasized that this sense of unity is the driving force to build a developed India by 2047, aligning with the Panch Pran invoked from the Red Fort to energize and strengthen the unity of the nation.
(With Agency Inputs)
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