It is not possible to move forward shoving aside religions, as it is only the minority groups in every religion that propagate terrorism, said Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran, appealing for peace and unity among all religions.
“Paramilitary forces alone cannot prevent ‘terrorism,' but ensuring unity among all religions is paramount for maintaining peace,” he said. Mr. Ramachandran was addressing the ‘Aavanipoovarangu 2010' Onam celebrations organised by the Confederation of Tamilnadu Malayalee Associations (CTMA) here on Sunday.
“Before Malayalees began migrating to the Gulf, Chennai accepted them and provided them job opportunities,” he added, emphasising on the similarities and associations between the cultures of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
“The Kochi-Coimbatore National Highway and high-speed rail corridor whose feasibility study is under way by the government and the Vallarpadam Container Terminal in Kochi are indications of transformation in Kerala,” said Kerala Minister for Industries Elamaran Kareem. Recognising the revenue this section contributed to the State, he requested the non-resident Keralites to become associated with and assist in these developments.
N. Nanda Govind, president, CTMA, highlighted the support the people of Tamil Nadu and its government had provided to the Malayalees who had migrated to the State.
Kumbalangadu Unnikrishnan, director, Kerala Pravasi Kshema Nidhi Board, urged Malayalees to take advantage of the pension schemes introduced for the benefit of the expatriates.
Actor Sarath Kumar, actor Swetha Kumar, CTMA chairman Gokulam Gopalan and Chairman for ‘Aavanipoovarangu 2010' M.A Salim participated.
Individuals who had made commendable contributions in the field of literature, poetry and social service were conferred awards. Fifty economically backward people were presented Rs.10,000 each by the association.
There was a range of performances by various ritual and folk artists that reflected Kerala's heritage. Music, dance and comedy performances by popular artists added colour to the event.
