Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has called for the strengths of Kerala’s rich cultural tradition and Maharashtra’s development potential to come together and make a greater contribution to the progress of the nation.
Addressing the Onam celebrations of the Bombay Keraleeya Samajam in Mumbai, Governor Arlekar said that Malayalees who have been living in Maharashtra for decades are an integral part of the state and the country. They should consider Maharashtra’s development as their own and actively contribute to its progress, he said.
The Governor urged every citizen to reflect on what they could personally contribute towards achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047. “A developed India in 2047 should not be the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alone, but the dream of every Indian,” he said, adding that “the path to a developed India passes through a developed Maharashtra.”
Speaking about Onam, Governor Arlekar described it as a celebration that conveys the values of equality, unity and coexistence. The festival, celebrated by people belonging to different sections of society, carries the message of equality through the memory of Mahabali, he said.
He observed that although India has a common cultural foundation, its expression takes different forms and colours in different regions. “Just as the different colours of a rainbow become beautiful when seen together, India’s diversity and unity are its strength,” he said.
Referring to history, the Governor said that India has always been great whenever its people remained united. He called for the spirit of ‘One India, Great India’ advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be translated into everyday life.
Governor Arlekar also praised the contributions of the Malayali community to Maharashtra in diverse fields, including education, industry and the economy. He urged Malayalees to participate more actively in the development of Maharashtra with the conviction that its culture and progress belong to them as well.
Call for self-reliance
The Governor called for the concept of a self-reliant India to be adopted in daily life and said that the slogan ‘Vocal for Local’ should go beyond words. He urged people to give preference to Indian-made products whenever possible.
He said that when Indian products are available for everyday requirements such as watches, pens, spectacles, clothes and footwear, people should develop the habit of choosing them. Supporting indigenous products, he pointed out, is a personal contribution towards strengthening India’s economic self-reliance.
Governor Arlekar also highlighted Kerala’s spiritual and cultural heritage, particularly its association with Adi Shankaracharya and Sree Narayana Guru. He said the rich traditions of Kerala should be introduced to the world and that the message of equality and humanity propagated by Sree Narayana Guru should be spread more widely.
Temples should undertake social responsibility
The Governor called upon temples to take up greater social responsibility and suggested that institutions such as cow shelters, educational centres and hospitals could be established and operated under their leadership. The resources received from the community, he said, should be utilised for the welfare of the community.
He also praised Kerala’s discipline in conducting large public gatherings and celebrations. The state’s experience in peacefully organising events attended by people from different regions and communities could serve as a model for others, he said.
Governor Arlekar called for Onam celebrations to be accompanied by a renewed pledge towards national unity, self-reliance and the creation of a developed India. He stressed that the strengths of Kerala and Maharashtra should come together to make a greater contribution to the nation’s progress.
Cultural programmes add colour
The cultural conference was presided over by Bombay Keraleya Samajam President Dr. S. Rajasekharan Nair. Samajam Secretary A. R. Devadas welcomed the gathering, while Joint Secretary T. A. Sasi proposed the vote of thanks. Vice President K. Devadas and Treasurer M. V. Ravi were also present on the dais.
The Samajam office-bearers honoured Governor Arlekar with a gold medal, plaque and Onakkodi.
Former Samajam President Dr. Suresh Kumar Madhusudhanan and former Treasurer A. K. Vijayan Nambiar were also honoured at the function. Samajam children who secured high marks in their examinations were presented with cash awards.
Dance performances by Panvel Natyajanali Arts added colour to the celebrations, while artists of the Samajam Nritha-Kathak-Sangeetha Vedi presented a variety of cultural programmes. Members of the governing body and Vanitha Vedi coordinated the programme. A special performance was presented by Shyam Seawood, with technical support from Madhu Nambiar and Sebastian.
As part of his visit, Governor Arlekar also visited Kerala Bhavan and interacted with the workers there. The celebrations concluded with a traditional and sumptuous Onam Sadhya.