Date:27/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/27/stories/2007082754190400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Governor, Chief Minister convey Onam greetings

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: A host of prominent personalities, led by the Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, on Sunday greeted Malayalees in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in the country on the eve of Onam.

In his message, Mr. Barnala said: “May this festival usher in prosperity, peace and harmony and promote universal brotherhood and all round development in the nation.”

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said the decision to declare Onam a local holiday in Chennai district too from this year was an indication of the Government’s respect not only for the rights of Tamils but also for the legitimate sentiments of people hailing from other States and now living in Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Karunanidhi recalled that it was his Government that declared a public holiday for the festival in Coimbatore, Kanyakumari and the Nilgiris districts where Malayalees were living in considerable numbers.

All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa said the festival was an example of secularism.

It underscored the importance of social harmony, cultural heritage and brotherhood.

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam founder-president Vijayakant said the message of Onam was “live and let others live.”