In a remarkable exhibition of linguistic finesse, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar left the audience captivated as he delivered a mesmerizing 15-minute speech in pristine Tamil. The enchanting moment unfolded at the 'Pongal Festival’ celebrations, organized by the Chandigarh Tamil Sangam.
Serving as the esteemed chief guest, Chief Minister Khattar not only graced the occasion but also inaugurated the revered Goddess Mother Tamil Temple and paid homage to the Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar’s statue.
The government’s official spokesperson expressed admiration for Chief Minister Khattar’s well-known proficiency in languages, a talent that took center stage during the Pongal Festival celebrations. The audience erupted into spontaneous applause as the Chief Minister effortlessly spoke in Tamil, showcasing his remarkable linguistic versatility.
Khattar, in his address, revered the Tamil language as one of the oldest languages globally, drawing parallels with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invocation of the great Tamil saint “Kaniyan Poongundranar” and his timeless adage “Yaadum oore, Yaavarum kelir” (we belong to all places and everyone) during the United Nations General Assembly.
In a powerful message, the Chief Minister emphasized the Tamils’ historic commitment to universal brotherhood, cautioning against divisive forces attempting to sow artificial differences based on race, religion, and region. He urged the audience to unite against such forces and celebrated the nation’s shared devotion to Lord Ram, encouraging them to extend their Pongal festivities into another Diwali celebration.
In response to a longstanding demand, Chief Minister Khattar announced the allocation of Ashiana flats to eligible beneficiaries from Maheshpur Madarasi colony. Additionally, he pledged a generous Rs 15 lakh from his discretionary grant to expedite the completion of Bharathibhavan at the Chandigarh Tamil Sangam premises.
Haryana’s former chief secretary and Chandigarh Tamil Sangam’s president (retired IAS) Madhavan extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister and the gathering. The event, attended by over 600 Tamil residents from different parts of Haryana, featured cultural programs reflecting Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage, organized in collaboration with the South Zone Cultural Centre.
Expressing gratitude for the Chief Minister’s unwavering support, Sangam’s general secretary SP Rajasekaran hailed Khattar’s motherly attitude towards the Tamil community. The Chief Minister was felicitated with ‘Kamakshi Vilakku’ by Tamil priests, symbolizing the community's deep appreciation for his efforts.
Chandigarh Tamil Sangam, a non-profit socio-cultural organization with a legacy of over 50 years, has been actively involved in various social, cultural, charity, and humanitarian activities in the tricity. The function was attended by HAFED managing director J Ganesan, and IFS officer Narayanan along with their families, as well as members of the Chandigarh Tamil community and representatives from other socio-cultural organizations in the Tricity.
