Almost a month ago, the debate of the date of the Tamil Puthandu was the biggest controversial topic of discussion in Tamil Nadu. It had become a topic of heated discussion after a picture of a Pongal gift bag from the DMK government, was shared along with the ‘Happy Tamil New Year’ wishes. This attempt to change the Tamil Puthandu from Chithirai 1 to Thai 1 was rejected and opposed by many, who showed their strong opposition even on social media.
It was even found during that period that it might be DMK’s attempt to Christianize the idea of Tamil Puthandu. It is to be noted that the DMK tried a similar stunt in 2008, and failed miserably, as Tamilians rejected the change lock, stock and barrel. Then, when late Jayalalithaa came back to power, she changed the date right back to Chithirai 1.
Now, although there has been heavy opposition against this move for ages, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, still decided to stick to the DMK’s narrative, that distorts culture for Politics. Greeting the people of Tamil Nadu in a tweet, posted on 12th January, the CM said, “Wishing a Happy Tamil New Year to all the Tamils of the world. Let there be kindness in the hearts of siblings, and happiness overflowing in houses,” clearly avoiding the idea of greeting the public for Pongal.
A letter attached to the tweet also reiterates this message, saying, “Wishing everybody a happy Pongal and Tamil New Year on Thai 1st.” The letter also talks about the Pongal package of the DMK government, that has become subject to controversy. Check out the tweet here:
உடன்பிறப்புகளின் உள்ளத்தில் உவகையும்; இல்லத்தில் மகிழ்ச்சியும் பொங்கி; தமிழ்கூறும் நல்லுலகெங்கும் நன்மை விளைய, தமிழ்ப் புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துகள்!#Covid19 பரவும் இச்சூழலில் பொங்கலன்று நேரில் வந்து சந்திப்பதைக் கட்டாயம் தவிருங்கள்.https://t.co/bJKXtOGghg#LetterToBrethren pic.twitter.com/sTjVF9a5Qa
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 12, 2022
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