Mera Saansad
Search Search
English language

PM Modi addresses Pongal celebrations at New Delhi

Published By : Admin | January 14, 2026 | 10:45 IST
Today, Pongal has become a global festival: PM
Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation: PM
In Tamil culture, the farmer is regarded as the foundation of life; The Thirukkural speaks in detail about agriculture and the importance of farmers: PM
Pongal inspires us to make respect for nature a way of life: PM
India takes great pride in the vibrant Tamil culture: PM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Pongal celebrations at New Delhi today. Extending greetings in Tamil, Shri Modi highlighted, “today, Pongal has become a global festival”, celebrated with enthusiasm by Tamil communities and those who cherish Tamil culture across the world, and added that he too is one among them. He stated that it is a matter of fortune for him to celebrate this special festival together with all. The Prime Minister observed that in Tamil life, Pongal is like a pleasant experience, embodying gratitude towards the toil of the farmers, the earth, and the Sun, while also guiding us towards balance in nature, family, and society. Shri Modi noted that at this time, different parts of the country are also immersed in the celebrations of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and other festivals. He extended his heartfelt greetings to all Tamil brothers and sisters in India and across the world on Pongal and conveyed best wishes for all the festivals.

Shri Modi remarked that it was a matter of great joy for him that in the past year he had the opportunity to participate in several programmes connected with Tamil culture. He stated that he offered prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister highlighted that during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, he constantly felt and remained connected with the energy of cultural unity. He recalled that when he visited Rameswaram for the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge, he once again witnessed the greatness of Tamil history. Underlining that Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation, and indeed, of all humanity, Shri Modi emphasized that the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat which he often speaks of is further strengthened by festivals like Pongal.

The Prime Minister remarked that almost all civilizations in the world celebrate some festival connected with crops. He highlighted that in Tamil culture, the farmer is regarded as the foundation of life. Shri Modi noted that Thirukkural contains extensive writings on agriculture and farmers. He emphasized that farmers are strong partners in nation-building and that their efforts are giving great strength to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The Prime Minister underlined that the Union Government is also committed to continuously working towards empowering farmers.

Prime Minister Modi remarked that the festival of Pongal inspires us to ensure that gratitude towards nature is not limited to words but becomes a part of our lifestyle. He emphasized that when the earth gives us so much, it is our responsibility to preserve it. Shri Modi underlined that keeping the soil healthy, conserving water, and using resources in a balanced manner for the next generation is most essential. He highlighted that campaigns such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Amrit Sarovar advance this very spirit. The Prime Minister stated that the government is continuously working to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly. He observed that 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. Shri Modi noted that in all these areas, the youth are moving forward with new ideas. He recalled that only a few months ago he attended a conference in Tamil Nadu related to natural farming, where he witnessed the excellent work of Tamil youth, who had left behind major aspects of professional life to work in the fields. The Prime Minister urged his young Tamil friends engaged in agriculture to further expand this campaign of bringing a revolution in sustainable farming. He stressed that our goal should be that our plate remains full, our pocket remains full, and our earth remains safe.

“Tamil culture is one of the most ancient living civilizations in the world”, emphasised Shri Modi. He highlighted that Tamil culture connects centuries together, learning from history and guiding the present towards the future. The Prime Minister stated that inspired by this, today’s India is drawing strength from its roots and moving forward towards new possibilities. He observed that on the sacred occasion of Pongal, we are experiencing the very faith that is propelling India ahead—a nation that is connected to its culture, respects its land, and is filled with confidence about its future. The Prime Minister concluded by extending greetings in Tamil and once again conveyed his best wishes to all on Pongal, expressing his gratitude.

Click here to read full text speech

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

Popular Speeches

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
View All
India identifies 102 GWp floating solar potential, eyes new push for reservoir-based projects

Media Coverage

India identifies 102 GWp floating solar potential, eyes new push for reservoir-based projects
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
PM chairs 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog
June 11, 2026
Vision of Viksit Bharat should become the collective resolve of every State, district, block and village: PM
PM calls India's 70 crore youth its asset, urges States to transform this Demographic dividend into Development dividend
PM encourages States to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs and actively attract investments from countries with which India has signed FTAs
States to strengthen ODOP and leverage opportunities in defence manufacturing: PM
PM emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an opportunity and people should be equipped with future ready skills
PM highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address emerging social challenges such as drug abuse and cyber fraud
PM draws attention to concerns arising from El Niño and urges States to conserve water and promote natural farming
CMs/LGs/Administrators congratulate PM Modi on completing 12 years in office
States express solidarity with the Centre to withstand the global geo-political crisis and to strengthen India’s resilience
All States and 5 UTs attend meeting; first time when CMs of all 28 States participate
Theme of meeting : Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi, earlier today. This year’s theme was Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047. It was attended by Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors and Administrators representing 28 States and 5 UTs. This was the first time when Chief Ministers of all 28 States participated in the Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.

Prime Minister noted that at a time when many major economies are facing uncertainty and economic challenges, India’s growth story continues to inspire the world. He emphasized the need to further strengthen the nation’s resolve towards self-reliance and highlighted the importance of adopting and implementing global best practices, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

Underscoring the importance of cooperative federalism, Prime Minister stated that the Centre and the States must work together to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat. He stressed that the vision of Viksit Bharat should become the collective resolve of every State, district, block and village.

Highlighting the strength of India’s demographic profile, Prime Minister observed that the country’s youth constitute its greatest asset, with nearly 70 crore Indians below the age of 25 years. Calling this a demographic dividend, he urged States to focus on transforming it into a development dividend through education, skilling and capacity-building initiatives that prepare young people for future opportunities and challenges.

Referring to India’s recently concluded trade agreements with several countries, Prime Minister encouraged States to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs and to equip stakeholders to effectively leverage the benefits arising from these agreements. He also urged States to actively attract investments from partner countries.

Emphasizing women-led development, Prime Minister called upon States to work towards increasing the number of Lakhpati Didis from 3 crore to 6 crore and stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for Nari Shakti.

Prime Minister urged States to focus on One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives and develop export-oriented strategies around it. He also identified defence manufacturing as an emerging sector where India is establishing a distinct identity and encouraged States to formulate policies to leverage the opportunities arising from its growth.

Prime Minister highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address emerging social challenges such as drug abuse and cyber fraud through preventive measures, awareness campaigns and effective governance.

Prime Minister also drew attention to concerns arising from El Niño conditions and appealed to States to promote water conservation and encourage natural and organic farming practices. He noted that the purchase of 11 lakh tonnes of organic manure by farmers during the current Kharif season reflected growing confidence in sustainable agriculture.

Prime Minister emphasized the need to evaluate progress at the district level, particularly through aspirational district parameters. Prime Minister suggested that on similar lines, 100 districts should be identified in the field of agriculture to bring positive results. He urged the States to take lead in this pursuit so that a phenomenal change can be achieved through the aspirational approach.

Prime Minister emphasised the need for a monitoring framework and targeted 100-day and five-year goals towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Highlighting the importance of good governance, transparency, and infrastructure for attracting investment, he urged States to focus on branding, ease of doing business, and emerging opportunities in sectors such as data centres and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI should be viewed as an opportunity and called for greater efforts to equip people with the skills required for the future economy.

The Chief Ministers/Lt. Governors/Administrators congratulated Prime Minister Modi on completing 12 years in his office. They also expressed solidarity with the Centre to withstand the global geo-political crisis and to strengthen India’s resilience with respect to energy requirements, and sustain its growth trajectory.

Prime Minister noted that the discussions were constructive and reflected the aspirations, hopes, experiences, best practices, and challenges of the States. Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to all the CMs, LGs and Administrators for participating in the meeting and expressed confidence that Together, through cooperation, innovation, and a shared commitment to development, India can accelerate its journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.