Pongal festivities held at VIT Vellore

Artists performing during Pongal celebrations at VIT vellore campus on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: C. VENKATACHALAPATHY

The Founder and Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), G. Vishwanathan, inaugurated the Pongal festivities in Vellore on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Viswanathan said that among the ancient languages such as Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Sanskrit, Persian and Mandarin, Tamil language is being cherished by people worldwide.

Tamil language still retains its essence and has not changed much. “India is a country of diversity, especially in terms of languages. The first major research on Indus Valley civilization came in 1924 but the topic is still being discussed on its centenary year,” he said.

Further, he said that he was instrumental in starting Tamiliyakam in October 2018 with an objective to promote Tamil and create awareness about the language among people across various countries. The VIT and Tamiliyakam have also taken the steps to develop and preserve Tamil in various countries.

Traditional artforms including Bharatanatyam, Jikkaattam and Silambattam, performed by troupes, stole the hearts of students and guests. Pongal was made with rice, jaggery, pulses, cardamom and cashew nuts in a traditional clay pot, signifying the festival.

The festival is celebrated every year at VIT with the participation of students, faculty, management and non-teaching staff. It is organised by Paavendhar Bharathidasan Tamil Literary Association and VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning. Students from different countries took part in the celebrations.

On the occasion, books on water management, millets and agriculture were released by Mr. Viswanathan in the presence of Sekar Viswanathan, Vice-President, VIT. The books published by the instituion were given to farmers.