On occasion of Pongal, PM Modi hails Tamil culture, contribution of farmers
Modi extended warm wishes on Pongal to the people of Tamil Nadu, the state that will go to polls in a few weeks. This also marks start of festivities such as Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, among others, in various parts of the country.
“Tamil culture is one of the most ancient living civilisations in the world,” Modi said, adding that it connects “centuries together, learning from history and guiding the present towards the future”.
He underlined that Tamil culture is among the sources of inspiration from which India draws its strength. “On the sacred occasion of Pongal, we are experiencing the very faith that is propelling India ahead—a nation connected to its culture, respects its land, and is filled with confidence about its future,” he said.
He asserted that Pongal has become a global festival today and is celebrated with enthusiasm by Tamil communities and those who cherish Tamil culture across the world.
“In Tamil culture, Pongal is like a pleasant experience, embodying gratitude towards the toil of the farmers, the earth, and the Sun, while also guiding us towards a balance in nature, family, and society,” Modi said.
The prime minister recalled programmes related to Tamil culture that he had attended in the past year. He had offered prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, the inauguration of Pamban bridge at Rameswaram, among others.Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation, and of all humanity, he said, adding that the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ is strengthened by festivals like Pongal.
In Tamil culture, the farmer is regarded as the foundation of life and Thirukkural contains extensive writings on agriculture and farmers, he said. Modi emphasised that farmers are strong partners in nation-building and that their efforts gave great strength to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. He said his dispensation is committed to continuously working towards empowering farmers.
Modi underscored the need for taking care of nature. He said one should strive to keep the soil healthy, conserve water, and use resources in a balanced manner for the next generation. He highlighted that campaigns such as Mission LiFE, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, and Amrit Sarovar advance this spirit.
Modi maintained that his government is continuously working towards making agriculture more sustainable and environment friendly. He said in the coming times, sustainable farming practices, water management (reiterating his call of ‘Per Drop, More Crop’), natural farming, agritech, and value addition will play a crucial role.
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