Shouldn't I Have Learned Tamil in My Childhood? PM Modi Speaks in Coimbatore
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's regret over not learning Tamil.
- Rs 18,000 crore announced for farmers under PM-KISAN.
- Coimbatore's leadership in natural farming acknowledged.
- South India Organic Farmers' Summit continues for two more days.
- Kisan Credit Card scheme provides significant financial support.
Chennai, Nov 19 (NationPress) Connecting deeply with the farmers gathered at the CODISSIA grounds in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on Wednesday his regret for not having learned Tamil during his childhood.
"The speech by farmer leader P. R. Pandian was remarkable because it was delivered in Tamil. I couldn’t fully grasp it. I realized I should have picked up Tamil when I was younger," the Prime Minister remarked, earning applause from the audience.
He further mentioned that he had asked Governor R. N. Ravi to provide an English or Hindi translation of the speech.
During the inauguration of the three-day summit, PM Modi emphasized the government’s dedication to assisting farmers and enhancing natural farming techniques nationwide.
He announced the release of the latest installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, stating that funds amounting to Rs 18,000 crore had been directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts across India. "To date, over Rs 4 lakh crore has been disbursed directly to farmers under this scheme," he stated.
Additionally, the Prime Minister commended Coimbatore's evolving character.
"Coimbatore has long been recognized for its textile industry, but today it has earned respect for its leadership in natural farming," he noted.
He acknowledged former MP and BJP national vice president C.P. Radhakrishnan for his role in guiding and motivating the movement, highlighting that the city is becoming a dynamic hub for sustainable agricultural practices.
Earlier, PM Modi toured the organic farming pavilions set up at the event, engaging with farmers, reviewing various natural farming products, and exploring stalls showcasing innovations in the organic sector.
The Prime Minister stated that the diversity present at the summit, which included engineers, ISRO scientists, start-up entrepreneurs, and farmers, is a strong indication of India's agricultural transformation. "Had I not come here today, I would have missed out on a wealth of knowledge," he admitted.
He also highlighted the swift expansion of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, emphasizing that farmers have benefited to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore just this year.
Livestock rearers and fishermen have also seen considerable advantages after being included in the KCC framework.
The reduction of GST on organic fertilizers has brought additional benefits to farmers.
Touching on Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage, PM Modi remarked, "For Lord Murugan, Tamil Nadu prepares honey, thinai, and special powders. Our government is committed to ensuring that the finest millet-based foods from Tamil Nadu reach international markets."
The South India Organic Farmers' Summit will continue for the next two days, featuring technical sessions, exhibitions, and opportunities for interaction among farmers, scientists, and agricultural innovators.