Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan joined the IIT Madras community in Chennai to celebrate the festival of Pongal, marking the occasion with warmth, cultural pride and a message of unity. The celebration reflected the spirit of gratitude, prosperity and togetherness that the harvest festival represents across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
Warm Welcome for the Union Education Minister at IIT Madras
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan was warmly received by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where the institute organised a traditional Pongal celebration in his honour.
The festivities were held at the Campus Community Hall, where faculty members, students and staff gathered to commemorate the harvest festival in a spirit of joy and cultural harmony.
The event showcased IIT Madras’s strong connection with local traditions while reinforcing its identity as a nationally rooted, globally respected institution.
Pongal Reflects Gratitude, Prosperity and Cultural Heritage
Participating in the celebrations, Shri Pradhan highlighted the deeper meaning of Pongal, describing it as a festival that embodies:
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Gratitude towards nature
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Prosperity through collective effort
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Respect for cultural heritage
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Social harmony and togetherness
He noted that Pongal is synonymous with the vibrant cultural identity of Tamil Nadu and serves as a powerful reminder of India’s rich civilisational traditions.
Minister Extends Pongal Greetings to the People of Tamil Nadu and the Nation
Extending his warm wishes, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan conveyed heartfelt Pongal greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu and to all those celebrating the festival across the country.
He remarked that Pongal reflects the values of:
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Abundance
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Unity
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Harmony
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Community spirit
The message resonated strongly with the broader national ethos of celebrating India’s cultural diversity while strengthening bonds of unity.
Celebration Reinforces Culture–Campus Connect
The celebration at IIT Madras underscored the importance of integrating cultural traditions within academic spaces, allowing students and institutions to remain connected to India’s heritage while pursuing excellence in education, innovation and research.
Such engagements reinforce the idea that educational institutions are not only centres of learning, but also spaces that nurture cultural understanding and social values.
Conclusion
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s participation in the Pongal celebrations at IIT Madras symbolised the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. By celebrating the harvest festival alongside students and faculty, the Union Education Minister reaffirmed the importance of cultural rootedness, gratitude and unity in shaping a strong and inclusive national identity. The occasion served as a gentle yet powerful reminder that India’s festivals continue to inspire values of togetherness and shared prosperity.
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Source: PIB
