Pongal has become a global festival: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers feed to a decorated cow during Pongal celebrations in New Delhi on Wednesday, highlighting Tamil culture as a shared heritage of the nation.
NEW DELHI: Pongal has evolved into a global festival celebrated with enthusiasm by Tamil communities and admirers of Tamil culture across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing Pongal celebrations in the national capital on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Modi said Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation and a living civilisational force that binds history, the present and the future. He noted that festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and highlight India’s cultural unity.
The Prime Minister underlined the central place of farmers in Tamil life, describing them as the foundation of society. He referred to the Thirukkural, which speaks extensively about agriculture and the dignity of farmers, and said cultivators remain key partners in nation-building and the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Highlighting the agrarian essence of Pongal, Modi said the festival symbolises gratitude to farmers, the earth and the Sun, while teaching balance with nature, family and society. He added that crop-related festivals are celebrated across civilizations worldwide, reflecting a universal respect for agriculture.
The Prime Minister said Pongal inspires people to make respect for nature a way of life, not merely a sentiment. He stressed the importance of soil health, water conservation and sustainable use of resources for future generations. Initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Amrit Sarovar, he said, reflect this approach.
Modi said the government is focused on making agriculture more sustainable through water management, natural farming, agritech and value addition, reiterating the call of ‘Per Drop, More Crop’. He also highlighted the growing role of youth in agriculture, citing examples from Tamil Nadu where young people have taken up natural farming with innovation and commitment.
Describing Tamil culture as one of the world’s most ancient living civilizations, the Prime Minister said India today is drawing strength from its roots while moving confidently towards new possibilities. He extended Pongal greetings to Tamil people in India and abroad, as well as wishes for other harvest festivals being celebrated across the country.
The Pongal celebrations were held at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in New Delhi. Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, K Rammohan Naidu, Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Somanna, among other dignitaries, attended the event.
