India has become an economic, cultural & political power; Kerala played a big role: RM Shri Rajnath Singh
“India today stands before the world as an economic, cultural & political power and Kerala has played a big role in achieving this feat,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at an event organised by All India Malayalee Association (AIMA) in New Delhi on July 02, 2023. He asserted that due to the efforts of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is now among the top five economies of the world in terms of GDP.
Citing reports by experts & institutions that India will be among the top three world economies by 2027, Shri Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that when the nation celebrates its 100th year of independence in 2047, it will become the world’s largest economy. He called for collaborative efforts of all states, NGOs & institutions to achieve Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of a developed India by 2047.
The Raksha Mantri pointed out that, today, the Indian culture is being recognised and accepted all over the world. He was of the view that from greeting with folded hands during the Covid-19 pandemic to International Day of Yoga, people’s interest in the Indian culture has increased across the globe.
Shri Rajnath Singh added that India’s respect has increased globally due to its vast cultural heritage and political unity provided by the constitution. He said, this cultural heritage and political unity was made possible by two great personalities who hailed from Kerala – renowned scholar & philosopher of 8th century Adi Shankaracharya and Shri VP Menon, who served under Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel post-independence. “Adi Shankaracharya ji united India religiously, culturally and spiritually. VP Menon worked with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and integrated the nation politically, for which the present & future generations will forever be in debt. While Adi Shankaracharya ji created the soul of India, VP Menon played a key role in the development of the country’s body,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri also spoke on India’s cultural diversity, defining it as a confluence of many religions, castes and sects. “India is an ocean, with which different cultures meet as rivers. A very important stream of this cultural confluence flows from Kerala. The state has a distinct identity on the cultural map of India. The Sanatan culture emerged from Kerala through Adi Shankaracharya ji. Christianity and Islam also emerged from the state. It is said that one of the 12 main disciples of Jesus Christ, St. Thomas came to India and built seven churches in Kerala. The first mosque ‘Cheraman Juma’ was built in Thrissur. This is why it is given the title of ‘God’s own country’,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh also shed light on the important role played by Kerala in the history of modern India, especially during the freedom struggle. “From the non-cooperation movement to the Quit India movement, K Kalappan, the Gandhi of Kerala, played a crucial role during the freedom struggle. He was also a social reformer, who fought for the rights of the underprivileged not only in the state, but the entire country. There are many such revolutionary freedom fighters from Kerala who have contributed immensely in ensuring India’s freedom. Another one is Accamma Cherian who was known as the Jhansi Rani of Kerala,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri also remembered Kerala’s social reformers Sadananda Swamiji & Padmanabhan Palpu, who dedicated their lives to ensure equality and women rights. He paid glowing tributes to Narayan Guru ji who worked for the empowerment of the lower strata of society by connecting them with education, philosophy and science & technology.
Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated AIMA for working towards the betterment of people in different sectors in Kerala. He made special mention of the active role played by the NGOs, especially AIMA, during the floods in Kerala in 2018, describing their work as extraordinary. Lauding the contribution of NGOs and Civil Society Organisations in social upliftment, he termed them as a bridge between the government and the people. He stated that these organisations play a major role in providing the Governments deeper access to the people to ensure their welfare.