Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Celebrates Pongal with IIT Madras Community
Chennai :
Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan celebrated the harvest festival Pongal with the staff, faculty, and students of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) on Wednesday. The celebration reflected IIT Madras’ commitment to blending academic excellence with India’s rich cultural heritage.
The traditional Pongal celebration was jointly organised by the Staff Club, IIT Madras and Muthamizh Mandram, IIT Madras, under the guidance of the Institute administration. The Hon’ble Minister was accorded a traditional Tamil cultural welcome at the Community Hall, featuring folk art forms such as Parai, Madattam, Mayilattam and Poi Kaal Kuthirai.
Welcoming the Minister, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, highlighted the importance of cultural celebrations on campus. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan also viewed an elaborate kolam (rangoli) prepared by members of the IIT Madras community, symbolising the festive spirit of the harvest season.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that the harvest festival is celebrated across India under different names such as Bihu, Lohri, Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal, reflecting India’s unity in diversity. He expressed happiness at celebrating Pongal in Tamil Nadu and wished success to students and faculty in their future endeavours.
A major highlight of the event was the Hon’ble Minister’s personal participation in the preparation of the Pongal pot, symbolising gratitude towards nature and farmers. He also took part in Uriyadithal, interacting closely with students, staff, and campus residents. Later, Shri Pradhan distributed Pongal Thoguppu (Pongal kits) to members of the IIT Madras community, reinforcing the spirit of sharing and togetherness.
Thanking the Minister, Prof. V. Kamakoti said that Pongal honours farmers and cattle while bringing renewed hope and positive energy to society. The celebration showcased IIT Madras’ efforts to integrate cultural values, community bonding, and national ethos within its academic ecosystem.
