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STAFF WRITERSRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) celebrated Pongal with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour at its Kattankulathur campus, witnessing the participation of over 15,000 students, faculty members, and staff. The celebrations were organised by the Tamil Perayam, in line with the vision of the Founder Chancellor of SRMIST and Patron of the Tamil Perayam, Dr T. R. Paarivendhar, who has encouraged the celebration of Pongal as a grand cultural event over the past four years.Nearly 2,000 participants took part in the procession, which featured traditional art forms such as Nadaswaram, Parai Isai, Poikkal Kuthirai, Mayilattam, Oyilattam, and Kavadiattam, creating a colourful and festive atmosphere across the campus.Following the procession, students presented a series of cultural performances that continued for nearly two hours, showcasing their artistic talents and celebrating Tamil heritage. Traditional games including Uriyadi and tug-of-war were also conducted, drawing enthusiastic participation from faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students alike.The valedictory session was graced by Mrs Padmapriya Ravi and Mrs Manimangai Sathyanarayanan, who delivered felicitation addresses and distributed prizes to the winners of various cultural and sports competitions.In his special address, Dr T. R. Paarivendhar commended the Tamil Perayam for successfully organising the event. He emphasised that such celebrations provide an important platform for students to express their artistic abilities while fostering awareness of India%u2019s rich traditions, arts, and cultural values. He also highlighted that festivals like Pongal strengthen unity and a sense of togetherness within the university community.The celebration was attended by the Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST; Prof. A. Vinay Kumar, Pro ViceChancellor (FSH, Management, LAW), SRMIST; Dr. Nitin M Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (MHS), SRMIST; Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST; Karu. Nagarasan, Head of the Tamil Perayam; Mr. R. Arunachalam, Estate Officer, Directorate of Campus Administration, SRMIST; and Directors, Deans, faculty members, staff, and students, making the Pongal festival a memorable and vibrant occasion at SRMIST.SRMIST Hosts Grand Pongal Celebrations 20262026 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 2 25