India’s secularism is a model to the rest of the world and any challenge to her secular credentials should be defeated, Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran has said.
The Minister was speaking at the 70th Republic Day celebrations at the district stadium here on Saturday.
“We have to ensure the fundamental rights assured by the Constitution. Failure to do so will affect India’s future,” he said. Mr. Surendran stressed the importance of ensuring protection to women and children. The recent ‘Women’s Wall’ programme, in which around 50 lakh women joined hands, was society’s recognition of the State government’s firm stand on gender equality, he said.
Mr. Surendran said Kerala was known for its unity in diversity and the people and the government should be vigilant against any move to disturb this social harmony. The Minister hoisted the national flag and took salute at the Republic Day parade held at the stadium.
In Alappuzha
Inaugurating the district-level Republic Day celebrations at Alappuzha Recreation Ground, Public Works Minister G. Sudhakaran said the biggest challenge the country was facing was communalism. “Among the biggest challenges, communalism comes first followed by corruption. We should not allow communal violence to divide the country once again,” Mr. Sudhakaran said.
The Minister added that attempts to undermine the Constitution should be defeated. “The country has overcome several challenges on the strength provided by the Constitution,” he said.
In Kottayam
Water Resources Minister K. Krishnan Kutty hoisted the tri-colour in Kottayam on the occasion. The Minister said the forces which blocked social progress and opposed social reformation should be countered.
The Minister took salute from various contingents in the march-past that followed. The Excise platoon, led by platoon commander N.V. Santosh, was adjudged the best police platoon while the District Police Headquarters came second.
In Idukki
In Idukki, Electricity Minister M.M. Mani said the State was going through a difficult period after floods last year and everyone should jointly work for the creation of a new Kerala. It was the duty of every citizen to protect the fundamental rights envisaged in the Constitution. Everyone should work for safeguarding the secular fabric and unity of the country. It was also the 47th anniversary of the creation of Idukki district.
