Kerala, Aug 29 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extends his warm wishes on the occasion of the Onam festival, on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)
Kerala is the only state where government employees retire at the age of 56. …reports Asian Lite News
The Kerala government is mulling to increase the retirement age of government employees to 57 years.
Sources said that talks between various government stakeholders are underway and an announcement is likely to be made during the New Year when the state budget for the new fiscal will be presented in February by State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.
Kerala is the only state where government employees retire at the age of 56. During the tenure of Oommen Chandy (2011-16) to standardise the retirement age of all employees, it was decided to increase the retirement age from 55 to 56 years.
As per a recent study by a committee, the state government will be able to divert more than Rs 5,000 crores if the retirement age is increased by one year as the retirement benefits including gratuity and end-of-service benefits for capital spending.
If the state government is able to go ahead with the proposed plan for the government employees, it will be a major image booster for the CPI-M government as state government employees are unhappy with the Vijayan government on the issue of increase in DA arrears, which at present is around 19 per cent.
With the local bodies poll due in the second half of 2025 and the Assembly polls scheduled to take place in April 2026, the step is seen as a major step by Vijayan-led government.
Bypoll underway
A day after the high voltage campaign for bypolls to Kerala’s Palakkad Assembly seat ended, the three political fronts — LDF, NDA and UDF — on Tuesday claimed that victory will be theirs on November 23 when the votes are counted.
Incidentally, Palakkad is one of the very few Assembly constituencies among the 140 in the state, where the BJP finished second in the 2021 polls. The by-election campaign witnessed aggression from each side to outdo each other.
The election was forced upon the electorate after sitting Congress legislator Shafi Parambil contested the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency where he won after trouncing one of CPI(M)’s most popular faces, sitting legislator and former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja.
All three political fronts — Left Democratic Front (LDF), National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Democratic Front (UDF) — witnessed internal bickering over the candidate selection.
Of the blocks first was the Congress party which decided to field their popular face and Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil, who is not from the district and soon came expression of displeasure from a few sections. The Congress lost its leader Dr P. Sarin who walked into the CPI(M) camp and was instantly fielded as the Left Independent candidate.
Things were no different in the BJP too. After a round of discussions and debate, much against the wishes of a section, the BJP decided to field a local leader and a familiar face during election time, Krishnakumar.
To fuel tourism expansion, Kerala is actively seeking substantial investments to enhance its tourism infrastructure, promote unique experiences, and ensure sustainable development, setting the stage for a new era of exploration and discovery…reports Asian Lite News
Kerala Sets ₹1,000 Cr Ayurveda Goal
Kerala has set a target of attracting investments worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Ayurveda sector before the Invest Kerala Global Summit, which will be held in the port city in February.
Industries Minister P. Rajeev made the announcement at the sectoral meeting on ‘Ayurveda and Pharmaceuticals’, which was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) here as a build-up to next year’s summit.
He interacted with Ayurveda entrepreneurs and requested the support of the stakeholders and their associations to achieve the target. As the entrepreneurs called for establishing institutes to teach non-degree courses in this field, the minister assured that such courses would not fail to get approved.
Getting approval for courses for pharmacists and therapists would not be difficult, he said.
“There are huge investment opportunities in the Ayurveda sector in Kerala. The industries department will extend all support to the entrepreneurs to overcome practical difficulties,” Rajeev said.
“With the advent of modern technology, the least job loss is in the ayurvedic sector. Hence, this sector can generate employment opportunities. Ayurveda is an area where local communities can find employment,” the minister added.
Experts taking part in the meeting hailed the tremendous support the state government gave to protect the credibility of Ayurveda, who wished that innovation and modern technology should be integrated into Ayurveda without compromising on traditional and heritage elements.
Over the years, the mainstay of Kerala tourism has been the hugely popular Ayurveda packages being offered across the state especially where the tourists flock in large numbers. Incidentally at the hugely popular signature event of Kerala Tourism, held every other year, the Kerala Tourism Mart which took place here last month, ayurveda was the most discussed tourism product of the state. Tour operators from Russia and Europe, after seeing the Ayurveda product spread that is on offer in Kerala, have promised to promote such packages in their countries.
Rahul Puts Wayanad on Top
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday posted a video showing tourist places of Kerala a day after he said that he (Rahul) would help Priyanka Gandhi to make Wayanad a tourist destination.
He visited Kerala’s longest zipline located in the district at the Karapuzha dam site and was seen freely interacting with the workers of the dam site. He was accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi whose fate will be decided on Wednesday when the Wayanad goes to polling.
In the video that has now gone viral, he says: “On Priyanka’s campaign trail in Wayanad yesterday, I had the chance to connect with some truly inspiring locals. Despite the recent challenges, they’re not giving up. They’ve built incredible attractions – the largest giant swing in South India, a drop tower, and a thrilling zipline all to show visitors that Wayanad is as stunning and safe as ever. I even tried the zipline myself, and I loved every second of it.’
However, he added that the reality is tough as the recent landslide has left tourism hanging by a thread, and livelihoods are suffering from shopkeepers to homestay owners and the adventure park team, ‘everyone is working hard just to keep things going’.
Congress wrote on X that LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi had a candid interaction with some locals in Wayanad whose stories of resilience greatly inspired them.
“From the largest giant swing in South India to a thrilling zipline, the people of Wayanad have built incredible tourism and adventure spots. Despite their hardships, they continue to work hard to revitalise the local economy,” Congress wrote on X.
The party added that Wayanad embodies the best of India, and both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have taken on a mission to make it a top destination in Kerala.
Local Congress legislator I.C. Balakrishnan told IANS that the visit by Rahul and Priyanka has evoked a tremendous response in and around the now popular tourist destination.
“He will make all efforts to promote Wayanad which has suffered the worst-ever landslide that washed away four villages. His visit will certainly do a world of good for tourists especially after the video has gone viral,” said Balakrishnan.
He added that it was worth watching how he interacted with the workers and wanted to find out every aspect of the adventure park at the Karapuzha dam site.
“There was a lull after the landslide and his video will be hugely beneficial for the tourism industry,” added Balakrishnan.
Seaplane Era Takes Off
With the first seaplane landing in the Kochi backwaters on Sunday, seaplane tourism is set to take off in Kerala.
The seaplane, which took off from Vijayawada, touched down at the Bolgatty backwaters in Kochi at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas will officially flag off the trial seaplane service from Bolgatty to the Mattupetty reservoir near Munnar at 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
This marks a major milestone in Kerala’s ambitious plan to link its scenic waterways through aerial routes. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has played a crucial role by providing technical expertise and infrastructure for the seaplane project.
With its extensive network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons, Kerala is well-suited for seaplane tourism, offering travellers a unique experience of the waterways combined with the thrill of flight.
The new seaplane services are expected to open up fresh tourism avenues, enabling visitors to enjoy stunning aerial views. Kerala, famed for its backwaters and extensive coastline, stands to gain significantly from this tourism innovation.
This initiative is anticipated to boost tourism and contribute to Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs and improving connectivity to some of the state’s most remote and scenic areas.
Tourism department officials highlighted that seaplanes offer the advantage of large windows, providing passengers with breathtaking views over Kerala’s landscapes, particularly the Western Ghats and Munnar.
The amphibious aircraft, capable of taking off and landing on both land and water, can carry up to nine passengers. While the tourism sector is enthusiastic about the seaplane project, Kerala faces challenges in making the initiative sustainable in the long term.
The seaplane project has been introduced under the Civil Aviation Ministry’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN.
Kerala Tourism had proposed launching seaplane services from various locations, including Kovalam, Ashtamudi Lake, Kumarakom, Idukki Dam, Mattupetty Dam, Punnamada, Malampuzha Dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Chandragiri River in Kasaragod.
The government identified these water bodies for seaplane operations after the Civil Aviation Ministry simplified regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
These changes allow non-scheduled operators to enter the market by eliminating the need for waterdrome licences and easing compliance requirements.
Notably, in 2013, the Kerala government invested Rs 14 crore to set up waterdromes on Ashtamudi and Punnamada lakes. However, the project was halted due to protests from the fishing community, primarily led by pro-Left unions.
According to sources within the Kerala government, the state had considered a proposal from a private operator to link four airports and several major water bodies, including those in Kochi.
The operator quoted Rs 54 crore for a two-year contract to provide a four-hour daily service connecting these locations, but the state has not yet made a decision on this proposal.
The summit will spotlight the untapped potential of Vizhinjam International Seaport, positioning it as a key player in global trade and economic activity…reports Asian Lite News
Kerala is set to host a landmark two-day global investment summit, Vizhinjam Conclave 2025: Global Investment Summit, on January 29 and 30, aiming to propel the state’s industrial sector into a transformative phase.
The summit will spotlight the untapped potential of Vizhinjam International Seaport, positioning it as a key player in global trade and economic activity. The event is expected to create significant employment opportunities—up to ten times the direct jobs generated by the port—through related industries and infrastructure, according to an official statement.
Organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), in partnership with the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), the summit seeks to diversify Kerala’s industrial landscape and align with India’s maritime ambitions.
Key investment opportunities to be explored include container freight stations, logistics parks, equipment repair units, and warehousing facilities. Additionally, the Outer Area Growth Corridor Project will be a focal point, showcasing its potential as an industrial hub catalyzed by the port’s operations.
The event will feature interactive sessions with investors, mentoring for local enterprises, and discussions on policies aimed at fostering confidence and collaboration. International and domestic industry leaders will share best practices, making it a platform for global networking and partnerships.
Efforts to integrate local communities into this industrial shift will be central to the conclave, ensuring inclusive growth alongside industrial advancement.
The book Missing Migrants and Access to Justice commemorates 25 years of Pravasa Lokam, a pioneering Kairali TV program dedicated to locating missing migrant workers in the Gulf and supporting Indians in distress abroad
At the Sharjah International Book Festival (SIBF), the spotlight turned to the challenges of diaspora communities with an event to release Missing Migrants and Access to Justice.
Co-authored by veteran journalist and Pravasa Lokam associate Anasudhin Azeez and renowned diaspora researcher and Lok Kerala Sabha (LKS) coordinator Dr CS Akhil, the book commemorate s 25 years of Pravasa Lokam, a pioneering Kairali TV program dedicated to locating missing migrant workers in the Gulf and supporting Indians in distress abroad.
The book was officially presented by Pabitra Majumdar, Labour and Madad Consul General at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, to Lok Kerala Sabha member TK Abdul Hameed. Advocate Abdul Karim Ahmed bin Eid, the chief guest, emphasised the importance of legal protection for all residents in the UAE, highlighting the nation’s inclusive ethos as a “garden” that embraces all, irrespective of religion or caste.
Labour Consul Pabitra Mukherjee praised Pravasa Lokam for its impactful work, calling it a source of pride for the Indian community. She commended the program’s dedication, which she described as a remarkable contribution from a television channel to society.
The event also honoured Pravasa Lokam Director Rafeek Ravuther for his contributions. Advocate Abdul Karim presented him with a Ponnada (golden shawl) and a memento to mark the occasion. Co-author CS Akhil was similarly felicitated.
Several dignitaries attended the function, including NK Kunjahammed, a member of the Pravasi Kshemanidhi Board of Directors, Malayalam Mission Academy Council Member and UAE Coordinator KL Gopi, and Lok Kerala Sabha invitees RP Murali, K Rajan, Sujitha Subru, and Pravasalokam representative Anil Ampat.
The event was moderated by Lok Kerala Sabha member and journalist Tansi Hashir, who ensured the function’s smooth proceedings.
The release of the book highlights the enduring legacy of Pravasa Lokam and its commitment to addressing diaspora challenges over the past 25 years.
Kerala Chief Minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan accepts a copy of Missing Migrants and Access to Justice from KN Harilal, Planning Board Member, in the presence of Dr CS Akhil and Rafeek Ravuther.
Sharjah International Book Fair to Honour Rafeek Ravuther, the Producer/Director of Landmark TV Program ‘Pravasalokam’ which completes 1000 episodes within 25 years…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), one of the most prestigious literary gatherings in the Arab world, is set to host a special event honouring Rafeek Ravuther, the producer/ director of Pravasalokam, a revolutionary television program that celebrates its 25th anniversary and 1,000th episode this year.
The event will commemorate the impact of Pravasalokam, which has fundamentally transformed media engagement in the Gulf region through its unique blend of citizen journalism and media activism.
For a quarter of a century, Pravasalokam, which airs on the Kairali Channel, has spotlighted the lives of Kerala’s expatriates in the Middle East, particularly focusing on those who go missing abroad. The show, often described as a lifeline for the migrant community, connects the families of missing expatriates with the resources and agencies that help reunite them with their loved ones. This innovative approach has not only provided solace to countless families but has also created a platform for migrant advocacy that transcends borders.
“Thanks to the SIBF organising committee for acknowledging our efforts to support migrant workers in the Gulf,” said Ravuther in a recent statement. “The book Missing Migrants and Access to Justice, authored by Anasudhin Azeez and Dr. C.S. Akhil, is a compilation of our work. It carries statements from people who were part of this noble effort.”
Ravuther also expressed his gratitude to the “good Samaritans in the Gulf who supported our works,” recognizing the vast network of supporters who have aided Pravasalokam’s mission over the years.
Missing Migrants and Access to Justice is a comprehensive examination of the impact of Pravasalokam. The book reflects on the program’s journey, offering insights into the challenges faced by migrant workers and the invaluable role the show has played in addressing these struggles. With more than a thousand episodes, the program has managed to address over 2,000 cases of missing expatriates, collaborating with a wide range of volunteers and experts in India and abroad.
Since its inception, Pravasalokam has addressed the plight of Kerala’s diaspora, many of whom face challenging circumstances in their host countries. In the late 20th century, cross-border mobility in India was a sensitive issue, often dominated by state regulations and sovereignty concerns. Media involvement was largely limited to cultural events and policy updates. Against this backdrop, Pravasalokam emerged as a ground-breaking force, taking a bold stand to advocate for expatriates’ rights and protection, thus challenging the traditional role of media.
The architects of Pravasalokam identified and addressed the real challenges faced by Kerala’s migrant community, ranging from financial struggles to navigating complex legal systems in foreign countries. The show encountered numerous obstacles, including financial constraints and scrutiny from foreign governments. Yet Pravasalokam persevered, expanding into a robust platform that successfully advocated for policy changes at both state and national levels. In collaboration with the Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS), the program has not only raised awareness about the hardships faced by migrant workers but also facilitated real solutions and legal support.
The legacy of Pravasalokam reflects its multifaceted mission: educating migrant workers about their rights, warning them about visa fraud, and using social media for advocacy. The program serves as a connecting point for stakeholders ranging from diplomats and philanthropists to community leaders, all working together to uplift migrant communities. This network, nurtured over two decades, has proven to be a reliable resource for those in crisis, amplifying the voices of migrant workers and giving visibility to their struggles on a global scale.
The Sharjah International Book Fair’s celebration of Pravasalokam’s legacy is also a tribute to Malayalam media, which has gained recognition globally, including from the United Nations, for its role in diaspora support and media activism. The program’s success is not only due to the efforts of Ravuther and his team but also to the resilience of the Kerala diaspora, whose stories and sacrifices are central to the show’s mission. This event at SIBF will highlight the journey of Pravasalokam as a beacon of empowerment and solidarity, reshaping public perception of migrant workers and validating their experiences.
Through a deep dive into Pravasalokam’s origins, Missing Migrants and Access to Justice documents the unwavering dedication that has kept this program alive despite countless obstacles. The book offers insights into the program’s structure, its investigative approach, and the collaborative efforts that have allowed it to thrive as a support system for migrant workers. By narrating the program’s milestones and challenges, the book also provides a roadmap for other activists and organizations aiming to support expatriate communities.
As the 25-year journey of Pravasalokam continues, the program’s impact serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots media activism. Ravuther’s vision has reshaped Kerala’s diaspora, fostering a sense of identity and resilience among expatriates. The SIBF’s tribute not only commemorates a significant achievement in the media world but also calls for continued action in supporting migrant communities worldwide. This event is expected to inspire other media professionals and activists to create meaningful change through compassionate journalism and to recognize the strength of non-state interventions in safeguarding the rights of migrant workers.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting against Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Satyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas in the by-polls…reports Asian Lite News
Congress candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-polls, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Tuesday emphasised the importance of strengthening agriculture and tourism in Wayanad, stating that these sectors hold immense potential for the region’s future.
“I believe our focus should be on food processing, improving the livelihoods of farmers, and creating more opportunities in farming and tourism. If we strengthen these two areas, I think we can significantly contribute to Wayanad’s future. I will continue everything that Rahul Gandhi has been fighting for, addressing the issues he has worked hard to resolve. I will carry forward his efforts,” she said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting against Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Satyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas in the by-polls. On Monday, Priyanka expressed her gratitude for the support from the people, pledging not to let them down.
Speaking to ANI, Priyanka stressed that with the right focus on agriculture, there is substantial scope for development.
“I asked the people about their main issues. I truly believe that with the right focus on agriculture, especially food processing and marketing, we can achieve a lot here. A strong push for agriculture, food processing, and tourism are essential areas where we can make progress,” she said. “They’re giving me so much love and affection, and I genuinely feel it. I will not let them down,” Priyanka added.
She also noted that with proper infrastructure development, Wayanad has great potential for tourism.
“You have beautiful mosques, temples, and churches. You live in harmony and stand up for what is right for the unity of this country and the values upon which our Constitution was founded. For me, there can be no greater honour than to represent the people of Wayanad,” Priyanka said. Wayanad, a Congress stronghold, will see a contest between Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi, BJP’s Navya Haridas, and Left candidate Sathyan Mokeri in the upcoming bypolls. The election was called after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, opting to retain Rae Bareli following his win in both constituencies during the general elections earlier this year. The by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled for November 13. (ANI)
It will also leverage at least $9 million of commercial finance including for agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially for women….reports Asian Lite News
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a new program to support farmers in Kerala to adapt to climate change and promote agri-entrepreneurs to market value-added products.
It will also leverage at least $9 million of commercial finance including for agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially for women. As the leading producer of spices such as cardamom, vanilla and nutmeg, Kerala accounts for about 20 per cent of India’s total agri-food exports. However, climate change is impeding these achievements. Natural disasters like floods and forest fires, as well as challenges to reach broader markets, have been impacting farmer households.
The $200 million Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) Project will help strengthen the resilience of the state’s agricultural sector to climate change. About 400,000 farmers will benefit through better access to climate-smart practices. These include replanting of climate-resilient varieties of coffee, cardamom and rubber and helping expand Kerala’s “food parks” into rural areas. These parks will have essential infrastructure such as water, power, and waste management to support agribusinesses in food processing and value-added products.
“This project will further infuse private sector investment and integrate agricultural value chains for the benefit of farmers and SMEs,” said Auguste Tano Kouamé, the World Bank’s Country Director for India. “Moreover, it will support agri-based SMEs, especially women who currently own only 23 per cent of MSMEs in the state, to gain access to commercial finance by providing training for business plans and to strengthen their commercial viability,” he added.
The project also aims to form productive alliances between farmer groups and agribusinesses. The alliances will help strengthen the linkages between producers and buyers, with the public sector playing a facilitating role. In addition, it will incubate agri-tech startups.
“This project will help to increase productivity for staple food crops such as rice while reducing GHG emissions,” said Chris Jackson, Azeb Mekonnen, and Amadou Dem, the Task Team Leaders for the project. “The increase in productivity and strengthening of agricultural value chains will help maintain the competitiveness of Kerala’s agricultural sector and will help create jobs and increase incomes.” The $200 million loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 23.5 years, including a grace period of six years.
Entire auditorium watched rapt attentively, tapped fingers and foot on the rhythm of lyrics and colourful choreography on every Talam, while forgetting the materialistic world of acquiring property and gold, reports Vinod Raghavan
It was a visual treat with colourful palette laced with soul stirring lyrics with graceful presentation of poetry in a musical-dance format captivated the audience till past midnight on a Friday evening in Muscat, Oman.
The century old lyrics penned down by laurel poet of Kerala state, “Mahakavi Kumaran Aashan” in the early 20th century, was presented live by a little known group of poetry lovers viz. “Kaveetha Kootam” on a pleasant weekend in the presence of Malayalam actor Prem Kumar, Chairman of Kerala Chalachitram Academy and large number of men and women, accompanied with their little ones, were unmoved from their seat, reminding their school days of learning and listening to the beautiful verses of great poet Kumaran Aashan.
The group Kaveetha Kootam, formed half-heartedly by a handful poetry lovers, a couple of years back in Muscat, selected the occasion to pay tribute on the 100th death anniversary of the great poet Kumaran Aashan, to showcase the legends work through traditional art form of music and dance.
But, their fear short lived, as this writer witnessed the entire auditorium watched the three-hour show with rapt attention and also tapped their fingers and foot on the rhythm of lyrics and the colourful dance on every Talam, while forgetting the materialistic world of acquiring property and wealth, for which they have come to Oman for a good living.
Lakshmi Kothaneth, noted journalist, accompanied with her son, were present until the curtains were down, said, “this just shows the literary work of the legend and the present generations of Kaveetha Kootam and Director P R Gokulam and his entire team’s dedication to bring the creative art form – Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kerala Natanam, Mohiniyattam and Ottenthullal, to the audience of Oman.”
This is one of the finest musical presentations of great poet, which will definitely change the taste of art form presented by Kaveetha Kootam. The set and the costumes were eye catching, rich and soothing, said Kabeer Yousuf, a filmmaker and journalist from Oman.
The legend poet, was a member of the famous triumvirate of Malayalam poets along with Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, Kumaran Ashan was conferred the title ‘Mahakavi’ (meaning ‘great poet’) by Madras University in 1922. The suffix ‘Aashan,’ meaning ‘scholar’ or ‘teacher,’ reflects his dual role as a poet and philosopher, as well as a social reformer of his time.
The group ‘Kavitha Kootam Muscat,’ under the banner of NHP Events and Middle East Power Safety and Business LLC , presented the life of five characters from his poems Viz. Karuna, Chandalabhikshuki, and Nalini. These were presented through five classical dance forms of Kerala: Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kerala Natanam, Mohiniyattam and Ottenthullal.
“This is an attempt to showcase the great Indian poet of our times, who initiated a revolution in poetry earlier this century. He transformed the medium of poetry from the metaphysical to the lyrical, inspiring his contemporaries to be vocal in their poetic expressions. What makes his poetry distinctive is its commitment to society in terms of moral and spiritual content, poetic concentration, and dramatic contextualization. We feel that this is a befitting tribute to the great poet,” said Gokuldas, Director.
The event, titled ‘Keleeravam,’ was divided into segments, such as Poomari (Floral Showers), which is an audio-visual assimilation of life and nature, choreographed by Nimisha Vineeth, brings complexity of the human mind to stage by intertwining it with Malayalam poetry and literature. The scenario revolves around a huge tree with many branches and flowers, situated between two imaginary lands, where people from both lands claim the tree, which provides shade to both sides without bias. The narrative later illustrates how nature is closely connected to humanity and how every human emotion affects the natural world, said Sujith Thiruvonam, one of the organisers.
The second segment, titled Sree Bhoovilasthira, an effort by a socially committed expatriate community to introduce the characters and life situations that emerged from the poet’s perspective to the new generation, without losing the essential values of poetry, through a spectacular showcase of dance forms.
The actors – Arun Madhav, Muhammad Kalathingal, Deepmala Ratheesh, Sandhya Ramesh, Shalini Sarala, Suseelan Palliyil, Ashwita Sujith, Akhila Ramachandran, Sheeba Prabhakaran, Sona Jibu, Vedika Raj, Sribala Sibin, Sribhadra Sibin and Joanna, gave their outstanding performances which was welcomed by the audience with loud claps, which is a booster for any artist.
The singers were Ramesh Sivan, Deepti Rajesh, Shiju Maimoon and B.V Khamarunisa captivated the audience with their soul stirring voice accompanied with music.
Gokuldas gives the visual version to the script written by Vinod Peruva. Sujith Thiruvonam is Secretary, Salomi Chacko, President and Arun Madhav, Creative consultant.
Congress President Malikarjuna Kharge, three Congress Chief Ministers and other national senior Congress leaders will also visit Kerala on Wednesday….reports Asian Lite News
Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi will visit Wayanad on Wednesday and will be accompanied by the party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi who will also file her nomination papers for the upcoming bypolls in Kerala.
Congress President Malikarjuna Kharge, three Congress Chief Ministers and other national senior Congress leaders will also visit Kerala on Wednesday.
Seasoned Congress leader and Kasargod Lok Sabha member Rajmohan Unnithan who is in the Wayanad district overseeing the last-minute arrangements for the roadshow to be held in Kalpetta told IANS that Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will reach Mysore on Tuesday and drive down to Wayanad the same evening.
“Sonia Gandhi will reach Kannur on Wednesday and from there will take a helicopter to reach Wayanad just before Priyanka files her nomination. The other leaders include Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his Deputy Chief Minister D.K.sivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot,” said Unnithan.
He said that this would be her (Sonia Gandhi’s) first visit to Kerala after a decade.
“While Priyanka along with other leaders will take part in a roadshow before filing the nomination on Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi will not be taking part in the roadshow but will accompany Priyanka when she files her nomination. Robert Vadra and Rahul Gandhi will also accompany Priyanka,” said Unnithan.
Unnithan added Priyanka and Rahul will stay overnight on Tuesday at Sultan Bathery, and their mother Sonia Gandhi will join them on Wednesday.
“Priyanka will visit Wayanad again next week and try to meet as many people as possible. We have no doubt that she will win by a margin of five lakh votes,” added Unnithan.
The CPI has fielded veteran former legislator Sathyan Mokeri who finished a close third during the 2014 general elections in Wayanad while the BJP has brought in young Kozhikode Corporation party Councilor Navya Haridas, a former software engineer who quit her job and plunged into full-time politics.
Rahul Gandhi had won the 2019 general elections with a margin of 4.60 lakhs from Wayanad which came down to 3.64 lakhs in this year’s general elections. However, he vacated Wayanad in favour of Rae Bareli.
The Gandhi family has a special love for Wayanad as it was at Papanasini River located near the Tiruneli temple that Rajiv Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in 1991.
Wayanad constituency is spread across seven Assembly constituencies in three districts – Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode.
Of the seven, four are held by the Congress-led UDF, two by the CPI-M and one was won by the Left-backed independent legislator P.V. Anvar who has now split up with the ruling Left and floated his own party.
The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat will go to polls on November 13, along with the Palakkad and Chelakkara Assembly seats….reports Asian Lite News
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and former party President, Sonia Gandhi, will campaign in Kerala’s Wayanad for her daughter and party General Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi, who is contesting her first electoral battle.
Priyanka Gandhi will be contesting from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, where a by-election was necessitated after sitting MP Rahul Gandhi, who was also elected from UP’s Raebareli, vacated the seat to retain the family stronghold.
The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat will go to polls on November 13, along with the Palakkad and Chelakkara Assembly seats. Votes will be counted on November 23.
Sonia Gandhi is returning to Kerala after many years and will be joined by both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi for a roadshow scheduled for Tuesday, according to state Congress leaders.
Rahul Gandhi had retained the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 3,64,422 votes over his nearest rival, Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India. This was, however, a dip against his 2019 performance when he won with a record majority of 4,31,770 votes over P. P. Suneer of the CPI.
After Rahul Gandhi vacated the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, the state Congress unit invited Priyanka Gandhi to contest and announced her as the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate from Wayanad.
Senior Congress leaders in Kerala are expecting a majority of more than five lakh votes for Priyanka Gandhi from the UDF stronghold of Wayanad.
Congress General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal, who is also the MP from the state’s Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat, will be coordinating Priyanka Gandhi’s election campaign in Wayanad.
Meanwhile, Indian Union Muslim League leader P. K. Basheer, who is the MLA from Eranad – which forms part of the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, claimed in an election committee meeting that Congress workers in Wayanad were lethargic during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
He mentioned that in Assembly constituencies led by Congress leaders, Rahul Gandhi could not secure a huge majority, while in constituencies led by Muslim League leaders, he achieved good leads.
He urged Congress leaders to be proactive in their constituencies and increase Priyanka Gandhi’s lead so that she secures a record-winning margin.
The CPI has fielded senior leader and former MLA Sathyan Mokeri, who criticised Rahul Gandhi for being unavailable for common voters, including tribals, after winning the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in both 2019 and 2024.
He predicted a similar situation in Wayanad if Priyanka Gandhi won, and urged the people to vote for him and help the Left Democratic Front (LDF) win the by-election in the Wayanad constituency.
The BJP has announced the candidature of Mahila Morcha State General Secretary, Navya Haridas, from Wayanad. State BJP President, K. Surendran, had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad.
