New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Pongal inspires people to make respect for nature a way of life, describing the harvest festival as a reminder of balance between the earth, family and society. Addressing Pongal celebrations in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the festival has become a global celebration, embraced by Tamil communities and admirers of Tamil culture across the world.
Extending greetings in Tamil, Modi said it was a privilege for him to celebrate Pongal alongside the community, noting that the festival reflects gratitude towards farmers, the land and the Sun. He pointed out that at the same time, other parts of the country are marking Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu, highlighting India’s shared cultura
According to an official release, the Prime Minister spoke of offering prayers at the ancient Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, participating in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, and witnessing the grandeur of Tamil history during the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram. He said Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation and that festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Modi underlined that in Tamil tradition, farmers are regarded as the foundation of life, with classical works like the Thirukkural deeply rooted in agricultural wisdom. He described farmers as key partners in nation-building and said their efforts are strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. The government, he added, remains committed to empowering them.
The Prime Minister said Pongal reminds citizens that gratitude towards nature must extend beyond words and become part of everyday life. Stressing the need to preserve soil, conserve water and use resources responsibly for future generations, he linked the festival’s ethos to national campaigns such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Amrit Sarovar.
He said sustainable farming, water management, natural farming, agritech and value addition would play a crucial role in the years ahead, noting that young people, particularly in Tamil Nadu, are driving innovation in these areas. Modi urged youth engaged in agriculture to expand the movement for sustainable farming, saying the national goal should be that plates remain full, pockets remain secure and the earth remains safe.
Describing Tamil culture as one of the world’s most ancient living civilizations, Modi said it connects centuries and guides the present towards the future. He concluded by saying that on Pongal, India experiences the faith of a nation rooted in its culture, respectful of its land and confident about its future.
