It was in 1888, with the formation of a Legislative Council in the princely state of Travancore, that Kerala’s first law-making body came into existence. Members were elected, debates were held, and laws were framed in the Hall of Law, the predecessor of the State Legislative Assembly, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. In connection with the anniversary celebrations, an exhibition titled ‘Niyamasabha Madhyamangalil’ has begun on the Assembly premises at Palayam in the city. The exhibition features important news events and photographs associated with the Legislative Assembly and its functioning, published by various newspapers in the country.
Speaker G. Karthikeyan inaugurated the exhibition. Newspapers such as The Hindu, Times of India, The New Indian Express, Malayala Manorama, Deshabhimani, Madhyamam, Veekshanom, Janayugom, Kerala Kaumudi, Mathrubhumi, Mangalam, and Chandrika have set up stalls at the exhibition venue. Some newspapers have also set up their bookstalls at the venue.
Historical events related to the formation of the Legislative Council, photographs and news features of various Assembly meetings post Independence, the Emergency, and a collection of Pulitzer-prize winning photographs are among the exhibits.
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An interesting collection of photographs of speakers, Chief Ministers, and leaders of the Opposition, who have walked the halls of this building since its inception, are also on display. Photographs of the old Assembly hall and those that offer a full view of the new majestic Central Hall with its teakwood-rosewood panelling also feature in the exhibition.
The Information and Public Relations Department will screen a short film and organise book releases as part of the exhibition, which is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry is free.