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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1 (IANS) In a rare public appearance after eight months, superstar Mammootty struck an emotional chord at the “extreme poverty free state” declaration ceremony on Saturday, calling Kerala “young” from him and an enduring example of people-driven progress.
“Kerala has always surprised the world with its social indicators and the way it has progressed. This is because of our democratic ideals,” Mammootty said while outlining the event held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
He said the state’s social victory stemmed from its people’s “strong commitment to social ideology”.
“Development will happen only when hunger and starvation are completely eliminated. This is not the case in many places – whereas in Kerala, this has been achieved. Whatever be the development, nothing is accomplished if stomachs remain empty,” he said, drawing loud applause.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the poverty-free declaration as the “dawn of a new Kerala” and “an important step towards the renaissance of the state”.
He said that this achievement reflects the collective resolve of the people and the continuous intervention of the government.
Vijayan said, “Today, a new chapter opens in the history of Kerala. We stand before the world with pride and self-respect.” He said that this initiative is not a hype but a real social milestone.
The Chief Minister said the state has overcome extreme poverty through integrated welfare schemes, which have ensured food, shelter and health care for more than 64,000 families.
He stressed that the Left-led government has fulfilled each of its commitments.
“We have converted promises into action. More than 4.7 lakh houses have become a reality. Kerala has shown that nothing is impossible when the society comes together,” he said.
Calling for continued vigilance, Vijayan said the journey towards a “New Kerala” is not over yet, but has entered a decisive phase where inclusivity and social justice will remain central.
However, despite earlier announcements that two other veteran superstars – Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan – would attend the ceremony, both did not turn up. The Congress-led opposition, which had boycotted the Kerala Assembly session earlier in the day, also stayed away from the event, calling it a “sham”.
–IANS
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