NewKerala.com

Kerala Approves Land for Memorials of KM Mani & Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

The Kerala Cabinet has approved the allotment of land for the construction of memorials dedicated to late leaders KM Mani and Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. The land will be leased for 30 years at a nominal annual rate to foundations established in their names. Separately, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, inaugurating a school arts festival, emphasized that art and artists should not be viewed through religion. He stated art must be a weapon for peace and a fighting spirit against communalism and division.

Key Points: Kerala Allots Land for KM Mani, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorials

  • Land allotted for KM Mani memorial institute
  • Land allotted for Kodiyeri Balakrishnan research centre
  • 30-year leases at nominal rates
  • CM Vijayan speaks at arts festival
  • Art as a weapon against communalism
2 min read

Kerala Cabinet approves land allotment for memorials of KM Mani and Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

Kerala Cabinet approves 30-year land leases for memorial institutes honoring late leaders KM Mani and Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at nominal rates.

"With even Christmas celebrations being attacked in the country, one should be vigilant against those who see arts and artists through the prism of religion. - Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan"

Thiruvananthapuram, January 14

The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved the allotment of land for the construction of memorials in the name of late Kerala Congress leader KM Mani and senior CPI leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, according to the Chief Minister's office.

To establish the KM Mani Memorial Institute for Social Transformation, 25 cents of land has been allotted to the KM Mani Foundation at Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram. The land will be leased for a period of 30 years at a nominal rate of Rs. 100 per acre per year.

Meanwhile, the Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Study and Research Centre will be set up at Vadikkakath in Thalassery on 1.139 acres of land. The land will be leased to the Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Academy of Social Sciences for 30 years, also at a rate of Rs. 100 per are per year.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that artists should not be seen through the prism of religion, and art is their religion. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam at Thekkinkad Ground in Thrissur.

Vijayan stated that the purpose of art is not only to create a pleasurable experience but also to give a strong fighting spirit against communalism and division. "With even Christmas celebrations being attacked in the country, one should be vigilant against those who see arts and artists through the prism of religion. The new generation should be able to use art as a weapon to uphold peace and happiness against those who spread hatred," CM stated.

CM further added that the function of art is not just to create a blissful experience. "You have to go into the scorching life experiences. The role that art has played in the social system can be understood from history," he said.

"In the olden days, the arts were often confined to a particular caste or religion. In the days of caste and feudalism, untouchability and untouchability kept people apart. It also affected the arts. The role played by school arts festivals in breaking down the barriers of caste and religion is immense. It is more important to participate in the arts festival than to win prizes. Not only the prize winners, but also those who are not, have grown into great talents in later years. The enjoyment of art is subjective," CM added.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The CM's words at the Kalolsavam are powerful and needed in today's climate. Art truly transcends religion and caste. Our school festivals in Kerala have always been a beautiful example of unity. More power to the young artists! 🎭
R
Rohit P
KM Mani sir was a stalwart of Kerala politics for decades. A memorial institute for social transformation is a fitting tribute. His understanding of the state's finance and coalition politics was unmatched. A good decision by the cabinet.
A
Anjali F
It's interesting to see this news about memorials alongside the CM's speech on art. Both leaders being honored were deeply political. I hope these centers become genuine spaces for study and research, not just symbolic structures.
D
David E
As someone who has attended the Kerala School Kalolsavam, it's an incredible event. The CM is right – the spirit of participation is what matters. The energy and talent on display cut across all backgrounds. A great model.
K
Karthik V
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was a key figure for the CPI in the state. A research centre in Thalassery is appropriate. However, the article mentions two different land measurement units - cents and acres. Clarity on the actual size and value would be good.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50