“Today, Pongal Has Become a Global Festival”: PM Modi
Prime Minister addresses Pongal celebrations in New Delhi, hails Tamil culture as India’s shared heritage
- PM says Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation and humanity
- Thirukkural reflects deep respect for agriculture and farmers
- Pongal inspires lifestyle-based respect for nature, says PM
- Government pushing sustainable farming, Mission LiFE and natural farming initiatives
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th Jan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Pongal celebrations in the national capital, describing Pongal as a global festival and hailing Tamil culture as a shared heritage of the entire nation and humanity.
Extending greetings in Tamil, the Prime Minister said Pongal has transcended geographical boundaries and is celebrated enthusiastically by Tamil communities and admirers of Tamil culture across the world. He said the festival symbolises gratitude towards farmers, the earth and the Sun, while guiding society towards harmony with nature, family and community life.
Referring to the celebrations of Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu across various parts of the country, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to people celebrating these harvest festivals and conveyed special wishes to Tamil communities in India and abroad.
Highlighting his engagements with Tamil heritage over the past year, PM Modi recalled offering prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, participating in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and inaugurating the Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram. He said festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by reinforcing cultural unity.
The Prime Minister underlined that in Tamil culture, farmers are regarded as the foundation of life, with Thirukkural offering detailed reflections on agriculture and the dignity of farmers. He said farmers are key partners in nation-building and contribute significantly to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Stressing environmental responsibility, PM Modi said Pongal inspires people to make respect for nature a way of life. He highlighted initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Amrit Sarovar that promote sustainable living, soil conservation and water management. He reiterated the importance of sustainable farming, natural farming, agritech solutions and value addition in agriculture, urging youth to lead innovation in these areas.
Calling Tamil culture one of the most ancient living civilizations, the Prime Minister said it connects the past, present and future, inspiring India to draw strength from its roots while advancing towards new possibilities.
The Pongal celebrations were hosted at the residence of Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan in New Delhi, with Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, K Rammohan Naidu, Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Somanna present among other dignitaries.
