TN Governor, Jaya, extend Pongal greetings

In his message, the Governor said ''I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of  Pongal and Sankranthi.'' 

''May the harvest festival strengthen our unity, promote harmony and the spirit of eco-friendly culture. Let us dedicate ourselves to go green, preserve and protect our environment and contribute our might to build a cleaner and healthier India'', Dr Rosaiah said, according to a Raj Bhavan communique.

Ms Jayalalithaa, in her message, said "Pongal festival is the day when farmers and cultivators thank the nature and God for their harvest. It is also the day when they thank their cattle''.

Keeping in mind the contributions made by the farmers, the State government has created the 'Chief Ministers' Farmers Protection Scheme' thereby bringing more land under cultivation and increasing the farm output, Ms Jayalalithaa said.

Mr Karunanidhi, in his message, recalled various steps taken by his government for Tamils and faulted the ruling AIADMK for not continuing with them.

On the occasion, he also appealed to his party cadres to work tirelessly in the ensuing Assembly elections without wasting any time to oust the corrupt elements and for awakening of the tamils race.

Tamil Maanila Congress leader G K Vasan said "Pongal is the day for upholding the hardwork of farmers. On this occasion, people from all walks of life celebrate by wearing new clothes and distributing sweets to others. 

Leaders of various political parties, including DMDK Founder and Actor Vijayakanth, Pattali Makkal Katchi Founder Dr S Ramadoss, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, BJP State President Thamizhisai Soundararajan, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, CPI(M) State unit Secretary G Ramakrishnan, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan, Naam Thamizhar Katchi Founder and actor Seeman, Tamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan, Dravidar Kazhagam leader

K Veeramani also greeted the people on the occasion of Pongal.

In his greetings, Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali said "may this auspicious occasion of harvest festival bring all happiness and prosperity to Hindu brethren."

''The common message of all religions is to promote respect for other faiths, tolerance and fraternal solidarity among people belonging to all communities'', he added.