TN Guv, Jaya greet people on eve of Tamil New Year

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa today extended their greetings to people on the eve of the Tamil New Year.
"On the joyous occasion of Tamil New Year, Vaisaki, Baisakhi and Vishu I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people."
"Let us on the dawn of New Year unite and re-dedicate ourselves to promote unity, peace and harmony and make India progress in all spheres," Rosaiah said in a Raj Bhavan statement.
In a statement, Jayalalithaa, who as Chief Minister in 2011 reverted the earlier DMK government's decision to celebrate Tamil New Year in January, expressed joy over her move since the celebrations coincided with the birth of Tamil month 'Chithirai' for ages.

"Let's vow to work in unity, overcome all hurdles and create achievements in this new year that ushers in new hope and enthusiasm in the hearts of Tamil people," she said.
The leader wished all-round prosperity and happiness and extended her greetings to Tamils all over the world.

The ruling AIADMK, after taking over in 2011 from DMK, had revised the Tamil calendar to ensure that the Tamil New Year was celebrated in 'Chithirai' (April) as against the previous government's decision to have it on the harvest festival of Pongal in 'thai.'
The M Karunanidhi led government in 2008 had decided to shift Tamil New Year from 'Chithirai' to 'Thai' following consultations with Tamil scholars. Karunanidhi has since been insisting that the first day of 'Thai' is the new year.

PMK founder S Ramadoss and MDMK leader Vaiko made no references to Tamil New Year but wished people on the birth of 'Chithirai' saying the first day of the month had many joyous connotations including festivals.
Ramadoss said there were enough historical instances to show that Tamil New Year was celebrated in 'Thai' but extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of the birth of 'Chithirai'.