Governor, Chief Minister, leaders extend greetings

Rao said Pongal, the harvest festival, brought new hope to farmers, marking the end of winter season and beginning of the Tamil month ‘Thai,’ making the way for progress. “On the joyous occasion of Pongal and Sankranthi, I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people. It is time to share the experience and expertise in farming, to enhance knowledge using satellite imaging to increase agriculture production and to build an inclusive, digital and a productive India,” he said in a Raj Bhavan statement. 

Panneerselvam recalled that his predecessor, the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, had launched a slew of welfare programmes for farmers including providing seeds and equipment at subsidised rates, and said this had resulted the state making ‘new achievements’ in food grain production. 

“Let joy flourish in the lives of Tamils on the occasion of Pongal,” he said in a statement. Extending her greetings, Sasikala said Pongal transcended caste differences and symbolised brotherhood. The AIADMK government of ‘Amma’  (jayalalithaa) had taken up various pro-farmer initiatives and protecting them, she said. DMK Working President Stalin insisted that Pongal, falling on the first day of ‘Thai,’ was also the Tamil New Year, referring to the change of calendar effected by his father M Karunanidhi headed DMK government in 2008. 

Pongal was a festival not only to be celebrated to transcend caste differences but also to celebrate hardwork. This year’s festivities were being taken up in the backdrop of drought and ‘struggle’ for jallikattu, he said. He exhorted his supporters to celebrate Pongal also as Tamil New Year day. 

Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, MDMK founder Vaiko, TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar, BJP State President Tamilisai Sounderrajan and TMC (M) leader GK Vasan among extended their Pongal greetings.