Pride and festive cheer marked the Thai Pongal celebration held on 13^th January 2017 at St. Britto’s Academy, Velachery, Chennai. Students came in their traditional dresses and exhibited joy and pride as they filled the campus with the land’s cultural aura. The Department of Tamil organized a plethora of programmes for the entertainment of the students. The programme commenced with hearing of God’s word, followed by prayer and prayer song. A graceful Bharathanatyam dance welcomed the audience. A short skit about the customs followed during Pongal, Facts about Thiruvalluvar and Thirukurals, Popular folk songs added excitement amongst the audience. The girls of class VIII revived the festivity in a village with their colourful folk dance.

Class-wise competitions like Floral Carpet, Rangoli, Kambi Kolam and Pot- Painting were held for the students to showcase their talents. The TH Cookery Department prepared and served delicious sweet Pongal to the students. The highlight of the day was the ‘Villu Paattu’. The Chief Guest of the day, Ms Melvis Chu (International consultant for the United Nations Development Programme for Africa, Governance Cluster, Ethiopia), was highly impressed by the Tamil culture. This National Director of the Foundation for Peace and Solidarity, Cameroon, appreciated the teachers for their efforts to train the students. Ms Melvis Chu from Ethiopia, 7^th ADF Secretariat, who acts on climate change for sustainable development in Africa, has visited 18 countries in order to fulfill the UN mission “Empowerment of Women” and “Eradication of HIV globally”. At this happy celebration , the very presence of the Correspondent, Mrs. Vimala Britto, was overwhelming. She encouraged everyone to know the significance of Pongal, imbibe, adhere and uphold the traditional values. Finally, the Principal, Ms. Mary Vasanthakumari , addressed the gathering and evoked the spirit of Pongal in each student by sharing the message of love and  building strong relationship with their elders. Students learnt that these festivals are sacred moments that help everyone to establish love, unity and nourish their relationships.