Harvesting happiness

Khushbu Sundar: “I amcelebratingPongal with my family, as I do every year. In different parts of this country this festival is known by different names. This shows that whatever faith and beliefs we hold, this country is united.We, the people of this country,asthe Preamble of our Constitution holds,aretruly secular.”

Mahesh Babu: “Pongal this year brings mixed feelings. While we're very h appy aboutthe release ofmy latestfilm Sarileru Neekevvaru, there has been a bereavement in the family. So, we are not really in a festive mood. However, we wisheveryone out there a Happy Pongal!”

Vishal Krishna: “I’ve just returned from New York after aNew Yearbreak. Now I'm back to work.We startthe final scheduleof Chakra onPongal Day. For me, work is the most enjoyable and fulfilling form of celebration.”

C Aishvarrya Suresh:
“I love that in our culture we have a wonderful festival like Pongal which celebrates and allows us to give thanks to the Sun god and the farmers who provide us sustenance. The one thing that connects all life forms on the planet is ‘hunger’ and food is the most vital aspect of survival, which by default makes those who provide us this food the most important entities.  There is a little Sanskrit sloka that I repeat after each meal which is “Annadatha sukhee bhava”. This means “May the one who provided this meal be blessed.”   This Pongal, my prayer is that no one goes to bed hungry, especially our farmers. It’s my dream to see a society where no farmer will ever ruminate to end his life due to failed crops and burden of debts. May the hand that feeds humanity get help from not just the authorities but also we as a society owe them their bread of dignity. It is 2020 and there should be no more room for that kind of sad irony. Happy Pongal!”