TN-PONGAL GREETINGS-LEADERS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and state Chief

Minister K Palaniswami, among other leaders, Monday extended

greetings to the people on the eve of the harvest

festival of Pongal.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "On the

auspicious occasion of Pongal, best wishes to my sisters and

brothers of Tamil Nadu. I pray that this day furthers the

spirit of joy and prosperity in our society. We also salute

our farmers, who work hard to feed the nation."

Asking people to take pride in their tradition and

culture, the Governor said, "Keep the banner of the

Tamil way of life flying high for all times to come."

"On the auspicious occasion of Pongal, I convey my

heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people

of Tamil Nadu," he said.

Chief Minister Palaniswami mentioned about the state

government's Pongal gift of Rs 1,000 to all ration cardholders

besides listing out listed out various initiatives

taken for the welfare of the farmers.

"Let this Pongal bring in prosperity and wellness in

your lives," he said.

DMK president M K Stalin, CPI(M) leader K

Balakrishnan and state BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan

also extended their greetings.

On January 5, the state government had launched a

scheme of providing Rs 1,000 to all ration cardholders on the

occasion of Pongal festival, being celebrated on January

15.