India is an agricultural country and most of the festivals are inclined towards nature. Pongal celebrations date back at least 2,000 years and traditionally this four day long harvest festival holds a great value for the people of Tamil Nadu. It is an auspicious day to thank and appreciate the Sun God and nature for helping in growing crops by providing energy for growth. Farmers’ livelihood depends on crops and this harvest festival reassures that people always enjoy the best food and quality life.

On the 14^th of January, 2020, Chengalpattu Rural Development Society  (CRDS) celebrated Pongal in Sadras, a coastal village located in Kancheepuram district near Kalpakkam atomic power station. In his address to the congregation of women from 6 SHGs, CRDS Director Fr. Antonyraj highlighted the significance as the festival of confidence, thanksgiving, celebrating culture and living in harmony with nature. He continued that the celebration at this turbulent situation we are forced to face with can be compared to taking pleasure looking at the good old memoirs. The past celebrations had seen green environment, harmonious life, rivers flowing with water, people leading a contented life and taking pride in their culture and tradition. What we are witnessing today is a corporate monopoly, consumerism, desertification of fertile land, dried up river beds, polluted water bodies, razed down mountains, unhealthy competition, rural poor migrating for survival, hopelessness and unfriendly people policies.

Dr. John Arokiaraj, Manager, Caritas India in his special address said that the initiatives of Caritas India through CRDS are focused on bringing hope and prosperity in the lives of marginalised. During this festival let us dispose of unwanted old materials and clean, refurbish and whitewash our houses symbolically and burn out all impure and negative thoughts in real life.

Eco DRR programme is not only focusing on reducing the risks associated with disasters but is built on relationships. The corroding value system is perpetuating poverty and the ensuing deterioration leads to a gamut of problems quite notably social, economic and health. Women are the worst affected. The distancing from the natural way of living has led to many a health issue and of recent people become prey to the dreaded cancer disease. He spoke on the Ezhuvom Iyakkam Cancer Care Campaign and the role of community as volunteers. The purpose is to make use of volunteers in educating the community on cancer-related issues, including prevention, risks, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care.

The jubilant participants added colour to the festivity by decorating the floor and Pongal pots with kolam. The sweet dish was shared among all the 120 members present irrespective of any caste and religious differentiation thus promoting interfaith dialogue. Folk songs and dances like kummi and Oyilattam performed were treat for ears and eyes. The occasion marked people taking pledge to uphold the underlying values in Tamil culture rooted in the arts and ways of life of Tamils expressed in literature, music, folk arts, martial arts, painting, sculpture, sports, cuisine, celebrations, science and technology, philosophy, religions, traditions, and rituals for promoting a healthy society.