Kerala celebrates 50th birth anniversary
Kerala, the tiny strip of land on India’s southern tip, celebrates its fiftieth birth anniversary today - definitely an occasion on which any keralite can look back with pride. Tourists to the state this year can get a taste of the joyous mood the people are in.
These 50 years have been a crucial phase in the overall development of this picteresque state. A solid foundation has been laid during this period, on which a prosperous Kerala can be built in the coming years. The path forward is inviting but, at the same time, quite thorny.
It has to be remembered at this juncture, with no little pride, that many of the architects of India’s development and progress over the last 50 years have been provided by this little state.This is the land which empowered women with voting rights even before many European countries. Excellence in arts and culture and innovative experiments on the political front have served to focus world attention on Kerala and add to its prestige. Land reforms, farmers’ pension, hundred percent literacy are all multicoloured feathers in its cap.
However, this moment of celebration has to be a moment of introspection as well. Only a society which realizes its mistakes can look to move forward. In today’s highly competitive environment, even minor blunders can set back progress considerably.The huge slump in agriculture and traditional industries is a real cause for concern. It is high time fresh enterprise is launched in keeping with the modern times. Much more hard work is essential to maintain our excellence in health and education. Kerala, but for the political demonstrations, used to be known for its peaceful environment. But today, the ‘underworld’ seems to be making its presence felt in no uncertain terms in the state.
The next twenty years are probably more crucial to Kerala than the fifty it has passed. In this age of globalization and ‘cyberization ‘, we have in front of us a very tough task. To meet competition head on, a total revamp of the system is inevitable in every field, not the least education and agriculture. We have to aim for economical and social development while at the same time preserving our cultural heritage. Ideological and religious differences should never be allowed to be a hindrance to this quest. There is no harm in dreaming fondly about a prosperous, happy and peaceful society, provided we are prepared to toil hard towards realizing that dream.
The Prime minister, in Kerala to grace its 50th anniversary celebrations, today promised the state a special package to revive the crisis-ridden plantation and traditional industry sectors. He also assured the state of all help from the Centre in turning the Vizhinjam harbour, Vallarpadam container terminal and LNG terminal projects into reality. Other assurances from him, which augurs well for the state, are
Indian Institute of Science and Indian Institute of Technology to be established in the state.
Central aid for developing the basic infrastructure of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi cities
A fourth International airport , in Kannur , and renovation of Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram airports
It is upto the State Government and its Members of Parliament to ensure that these promises do not remain just that - promises!
posted by Vicky @ 8:08 PM
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