CHENNAI/DELHI, Jan 14: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Pongal celebration embodies the national ideal of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and that the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and Kashi-Tamil Sangamam share a same poignant bond. Speaking at the Pongal celebrations hosted at Union Minister L Murugan’s home in the nation’s capital, Modi expressed his desire for happiness, prosperity, and contentment in the lives of all people, noting that festive enthusiasm marked every Tamil Nadu home. The prime minister drew parallels between “Kolam” and India’s diversity, saying that when people from all over the nation emotionally connect with one another, the strength of the country takes on new dimensions.Kolam, a popular art form, is sketching on the ground, at the door of a house, with different types of rice flour. It is considered a sign of auspiciousness and a welcome symbol. “The Pongal festival reflects the national spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” declared Modi. The Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam traditions, which document the enthusiastic participation of a large number of Tamil people, exhibit the same attitude. “This sense of unity is the biggest force to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” stated the prime minister. To energise and reinforce national unity is the primary purpose of the Panch Pran that I have called upon from the Red Fort.The prime minister emphasised the importance of educated citizens, trustworthy businesspeople, and high-quality crops in nation-building, citing the saint poet Thiruvalluvar. Since fresh crops are dedicated to God during Pongal, “Annadata Kisans” are at the heart of this joyous custom. He emphasised how every Indian celebration is connected to the countryside, crops, and farmers. Recalling a speech he gave on the relationship between millets and Tamil customs, he expressed his satisfaction that there is a “new awareness” about the “superfood Shri Anna” (millets) and that many young people are pursuing millet-based startup businesses. He disclosed that the promotion of millet directly benefits over three crore farmers who cultivate the grain.In his closing remarks, he urged “re-dedicating ourselves” to the goal of enhancing national cohesion in honour of Pongal. An programme of the Central government, “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” stands for unity and seeks to foster mutual understanding and better communication between residents of different states and union territories. On January 15, the harvest festival of Pongal will be observed.
