Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday celebrated the Pongal festival at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in New Delhi, and hailed the Tamil culture for teaching people gratitude towards nature through the celebration of harvest and farmers’ labour.
Pongal, said the PM, is now a global festival, and in the Tamil culture, a farmer is regarded as the foundation of life. He also said the Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation.
“Today, Pongal has become a global festival. Last year, I had the chance to attend several programmes related to Tamil culture, which is shared heritage of not just India but the entire world,” the PM said, adding, “The Thirukkural speaks in detail about agriculture and the importance of farmers.”
PM Modi said the festival encourages people to make respect for nature a way of life, instead of remaining limited to words.
In an ode to Tamil civilisation, he said it is one of the world’s oldest living civilisations, and described it as a culture that connects centuries, draws lessons from history, and guides the future.
“Friends, Tamil civilisation is one of the world’s oldest living civilisations. This culture connects centuries, learns from history, guides the present, and paves the way for the future. Inspired by this, today’s India is moving forward towards new possibilities, drawing strength from its roots,” he added.
Recalling some of his visits to Tamil Nadu, Modi said he offered prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in the state and also experienced moments of profound cultural unity during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi.
The Prime Minister further said that his visit to Rameswaram to inaugurate the Sangam Beach once again allowed him to witness the grandeur of Tamil history.
Also Read: PM Modi greets nation on Makar Sankranti
“Friends, it has also been a very gratifying experience for me that over the past year I got the opportunity to participate in many programmes connected to Tamil culture. I performed prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu. During the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, every moment that connected cultural unity stayed with me. Wherever I went, I deeply felt that sense of unity. When I visited Rameswaram for the inauguration of the Sangam Beach, I once again witnessed the greatness of Tamil history,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also greeted people on Makar Sankranti, and said the harvest festival reflects the richness of the country’s cultural landscape and reminds citizens of the spirit of togetherness that binds everyone.
Conveying greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, the PM also said that Sankranti also holds a special place in the lives of the farmers and their families and it is about expressing gratitude to those who nourish people, thus strengthening the society.
“On the auspicious occasion of Sankranti, I convey my warmest greetings to you and your family,” he said in the letters to the people of the three states.
He said Sankranti marks a period of hope and positivity, when the movement of the sun signals new beginnings.
Celebrated in different forms yet with the same enthusiasm across the country, Sankranti reflects the richness of the country’s cultural landscape and “reminds us the spirit of togetherness that binds us all”, he said.
Emphasising upon the need to protect soil for future generations, conserve water, and ensure balanced use of natural resources, the Prime Minister said these are among the most pressing necessities of this time.
“Protecting the soil for future generations, conserving water, and using resources in a balanced manner are among today’s greatest necessities. Initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Amrit Sarovar are advancing this very spirit. The Central Government is also working continuously with commitment to empower farmers… When the Earth gives us so much, it becomes our responsibility to preserve it,” he said.
In the coming years, sustainable farming practices, effective water management under the ‘First Drop, More Crop’ approach natural farming, agri-tech, and value addition will play a crucial role, he added.
The youth, said PM Modi, brings fresh ideas and renewed energy to the agriculture arena, as seen in the encouraging trend whereby the younger generations are returning to agriculture and leaving plush jobs in cities.
“In all these areas, our youth are moving forward with fresh ideas and new energy. Just a few months ago, I attended a conference on natural farming in Tamil Nadu, where I saw the outstanding role being played by our youth. Many young people have left behind high-paying professional careers to take up farming. Meeting them gave me deep satisfaction and inspiration,” he said.
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