President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first phase of the Muziris Heritage Project at the International Research and Convention Centre, KKTM College, Kodungalloor, on Saturday.
Mr. Mukherjee said that being the largest conservation project in the country and the first green project of the Kerala government, the Muziris project had a lot to boast about, be it in the area of heritage, conservation or tourism.
“The spice trade and ancient ports in the State have created many islands of heritage and history within Kerala, but the tourist experiences have always been discrete. This is where the Muziris project offers the best of heritage tourism to global travellers,” Mr. Mukherjee he said.
He noted the fact that various religions in the State share their traditions. “Many churches light oil lamps and raise flags as is done in Hindu temples. Similarly, the Cheraman mosque has an oil lamp which is always lit. I am glad that the Muziris Heritage Project seeks to bring alive this wonderful mosaic of cultural influences in a holistic way.”
The Muziris project would open up to Indian and foreign tourists a new destination, bringing economic benefits to the people of the region as well as knowledge and enjoyment for the visitors, he said.
The President also launched the website of the Muziris Heritage Project.
Governor P. Sathasivam presided over the function. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, V.D. Satheesan and T.N. Prathapan, MLAs, K.V. Thomas MP, Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson, and Kerala Tourism Secretary Kamala Vardhana Rao were present.
