THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially opened the state’s week-long Onam celebration at Kanakakkunnu on Wednesday.
Speaking to a large crowd, he said that Onam reminds everyone of a time when all people were treated equally. He described Onam as a symbol of humanity and brotherhood, and said the state’s “Nava Keralam” (New Kerala) plan aims to make Kerala even more prosperous than it was in the past.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s focus on welfare over the last nine years. He said their actions are in line with the welfare principles of the mythical King Mahabali, who is central to the Onam story. As part of this, the government has:
Made sure there is enough food available for everyone.
Boosted the Onam market.
Given pensions to 60 lakh people, allocating ₹1,200 crore for this effort.
He also mentioned that a pending payment to paddy farmers has been resolved. The central government has finally sent the needed funds, allowing the state to pay the farmers during the Onam season.
In other development projects, the government has built 4.5 lakh houses and given out 4 lakh title deeds under the LIFE Mission project, with another 1 lakh to be distributed soon. The state has also seen significant growth in healthcare, with 43 lakh families getting help through the Karunya insurance scheme.
He emphasized that Kerala should be a model for the entire country and called for unity, urging people to resist attempts to limit festivals to specific groups.
P.A. Mohamed Riyas, the Minister for Public Works and Tourism, added that the government has created a good environment for people to celebrate Onam. He noted that after the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has increased significantly, with Kerala experiencing its highest number of tourists this year due to “revenge tourism.”
With input from KeralaNews.Gov
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
