In a unique encounter between the descendants of those who once ruled the land by birthright and the man chosen by the people to lead them now, Kozhikode Zamorin KCU Raja and family visited Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his office at the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
This is the second-ever visit paid by the member of the erstwhile Zamorin dynasty to the Chief Minister.
First visit
The first such visit was paid in 1999 by P.K. Ettanunni Raja, who was then the head of the erstwhile ruling family of Kozhikode, and his family to former CM E.K. Nayanar.
Mr. Raja lauded the CM for the unwavering conviction he shows even in challenging circumstances, and for his strict implementation of policies.
He also expressed his moral support for the State government’s environment-friendly policy.
The Zamorin gifted Mr. Vijayan a fountain pen and several books that describe the history of Kozhikode.
Long after their reign ended, the Zamorin continues to be the trustee of around 45 temples in the Malabar region.
Mr. Raja requested the CM to ensure that the trusteeship remains intact, even when the rules concerned are amended. Mr. Vijayan assured him that this would be the case. Mr. Raja, aged 92, took over the title of Zamorin four years ago.
Photographer
Having graduated in engineering from Madras, he has worked as a manager in the Perambur Locomotive Works and the Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), Jamshedpur, apart from 25 years of service at the Hindustan Machine Tools, Kalamassery.
He has also been credited with leading the implementation of computerised numerical central machine tools for the first time in India in HMT.
He is also an avid photographer.
