logo
Kozhikode and Palakkad mark vibrant openings of ‘Ente Keralam' and Saras Mela

Kozhikode and Palakkad mark vibrant openings of ‘Ente Keralam' and Saras Mela

Time of India12-05-2025

Kozhikode and Palakkad mark vibrant openings of 'Ente Keralam' and Saras Mela
In
Kozhikode
, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the 'Ente Keralam' Exhibition and the
Kudumbashree
National
Saras Mela
, marking the beginning of a vibrant showcase of Kerala's culture, entrepreneurship, and community initiatives.
During his address, he specifically mentioned that the launch of 350,000 enterprises under the "Year of Entrepreneurship" initiative demonstrates Kerala's supportive environment for businesses.
He also underscored the critical contribution of Kudumbashree, with its extensive network of nearly 5 million women, to local entrepreneurship and economic growth, referencing the ₹270 crore allocated in the state budget for their activities and calling them the "backbone of entrepreneurship."
The event was presided over by minister P A Mohamed Riyas, who stated the government's success in realising ambitious projects and announced the expected completion of National Highway 66 by December 2025, also pointing to the visible progress in Kozhikode. Minister A K Saseendran, the chief guest, lauded the Saras Mela as a representation of Kudumbashree's accomplishments and noted the unprecedented development achieved by the state over the past nine years.
The 'Ente Keralam' Exhibition and Marketing Fair at Kozhikode Beach commenced with considerable enthusiasm, attracting thousands of people on its opening day. The fair featured over 200 stalls organised by various government departments, providing a direct view of the developmental and welfare efforts and the socio-economic progress in Kerala over the last nine years. This event continued to run until May 12th at Kozhikode Beach.
Youtube Link:
https://youtu.be/cxkutqZElGo
In Palakkad, the 'Ente Keralam' Exhibition and Marketing Fair began at the ground near the Palakkad Stadium Bus Stand and was inaugurated by minister K Krishnankutty, with minister M B Rajesh presiding over the function. Minister Krishnankutty commented on the state government's dedication to development despite external pressures, highlighting initiatives aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and expanding electricity access to all tribal areas.
He also mentioned the advancement in increasing the state's power generation capacity to 10,000 MW. The Palakkad fair offered a diverse range of activities, including a job fair by the Employment Exchange, free counseling by the Women and Child Development Department, a police dog show, Kudumbashree's exchange market, a fish spa, and various exhibitions and stalls from different departments, including a significant presence from the Industries Department with a helpline for entrepreneurs and displays of handloom-crafts and electrical equipment.
Additionally, cultural programs were scheduled daily.
The inaugurations of the 'Ente Keralam' Exhibition and Marketing Fair
The inaugurations of the 'Ente Keralam' Exhibition and Marketing Fair were part of the Kerala State Government's fourth anniversary celebrations. These events took place in both Kozhikode and Palakkad and marked a significant occasion. These inaugurations across different districts highlight the government's commitment to showcasing its achievements and fostering public interaction with its initiatives.
Youtube Link:
https://youtu.be/1mWl_XkB6S8
Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Stay informed with the latest
business
news, updates on
bank holidays
and
public holidays
.
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MSC Irina, world's largest container ship, docks at Kerala's Vizhinjam port
MSC Irina, world's largest container ship, docks at Kerala's Vizhinjam port

Indian Express

time6 hours ago

  • Indian Express

MSC Irina, world's largest container ship, docks at Kerala's Vizhinjam port

MSC IRINA, the world's largest container ship by capacity, docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport, which was commissioned last month. This is the maiden call of the ship to a South Asian port. Port director Divya S Iyer welcomed the ship's captain and crew. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed the arrival of MSC IRINA at the port as a proud and historic moment for the state. 'Kerala welcomes MSC IRINA, the largest container ship to call at any South Asian port, with immense pride. Measuring 399.9m in length and 61.3m in width, with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, her arrival at Vizhinjam marks a historic moment. A proud milestone that underscores our port's strategic global role and galvanises our collective dream of growth,'' Vijayan posted on X. In a post on X, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, said, '…This marks the vessel's maiden visit to the South Asian shores, making it a milestone not just for Vizhinjam but for India's emergence as a key player in global transshipment.' The port, managed by Adani Ports and SEZ Private Limited on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model, has been making remarkable achievements in transshipment container handling.

Exalogic case: CM Pinarayi Vijayan files affidavit in Kerala high court opposing CBI probe
Exalogic case: CM Pinarayi Vijayan files affidavit in Kerala high court opposing CBI probe

Time of India

time17 hours ago

  • Time of India

Exalogic case: CM Pinarayi Vijayan files affidavit in Kerala high court opposing CBI probe

Kochi: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has filed a counter-affidavit before high court opposing the public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI probe into the controversial Exalogic-CMRL transaction, terming it a 'politically instigated litigation'. In his affidavit, he denied all allegations, including the claim that Exalogic Solutions, a now-defunct company owned by his daughter T Veena, is his 'benami company,' and that he received illegal gratification from CMRL. The PIL filed by senior journalist M R Ajayan alleged that Exalogic received Rs 1.72 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) as illegal gratification. He also sought an investigation into the alleged political nexus involving the CM and the companies concerned. During the last hearing, the court had directed the respondents, including the CM, to file their counter-affidavits. The matter is posted for further consideration on June 17. In his 19-page affidavit, Vijayan submitted that the petitioner had failed to produce any material to substantiate the allegations, terming the PIL a "textbook case of a fishing expedition", an attempt to prompt a roving inquiry without foundational facts. He contended that the prayer for a CBI probe was devoid of genuine public interest and was instead driven by personal and political motives, targeting him and his daughter based on a single private commercial arrangement. Vijayan stated that, as per his understanding, Exalogic was engaged to provide software and marketing consultancy services to CMRL under a legitimate agreement, and that all transactions were duly accounted for through banking channels. He disclaimed any knowledge of or involvement in his daughter's business affairs, stating that she acted independently. He also denied the allegation that he was the 'kingpin' in the transfer of Kovalam Palace to a private businessman, asserting that he had exercised no undue influence in the matter. He pointed out that he assumed office well after the transfer took place. Further, he submitted that the petitioner had neither alleged any bias or collusion on the part of the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (VACB) nor challenged the decision of the vigilance court, which declined to direct registration of an FIR in the case. Vijayan also contended that the petitioner had failed to implead the state govt as a respondent and that entertaining a petition in the absence of any evidence of bias or inaction would undermine the constitutional framework of federalism. Additionally, he submitted that an investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is already in progress, and therefore, parallel investigations by other agencies into the same allegation cannot be undertaken.

Samridhi@Kochi diversifies operations with canteen vertical
Samridhi@Kochi diversifies operations with canteen vertical

The Hindu

time17 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Samridhi@Kochi diversifies operations with canteen vertical

Four years after its introduction as part of a State government-backed hunger-free project, Samridhi@Kochi, a budget eatery run jointly by the Kochi Corporation and the Ernakulam district mission of the Kudumbashree, is all set to further diversify and establish itself as a brand in running canteens. The inauguration of its canteen at the Greater Cochin Development Authority office here on Monday was the first step in that direction. Samridhi@Kochi has already been offering catering services, including at fairs and functions organised by the State government. 'The idea is to introduce the canteen model, and going forward, we expect to get more inquiries in this vertical,' said P.A. Ajith, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree (Micro Enterprises). Kochi, being a commercial hub and home to numerous offices, Kudumbashree remains confident that the brand Samridhi will be able to make quick strides. Having a central kitchen at the Samridhi@Kochi budget hotel near the North railway station also helps. The introduction of the canteen vertical is expected to add another 20 to 25 jobs to Samridhi's 110-strong current workforce. Women associated with Samridhi get a minimum monthly pay of ₹20,000, which touches the ₹40,000- ₹45,000 range based on various grades and allowances. Samridhi's diversification is not restricted to the canteen service alone. 'We are in talks with the Railway to sell Samridhi-branded food inside the South and North railway stations and trains, besides putting up kiosks outside these stations. We are also exploring the scope of accepting online-based orders and even door delivery of food,' said Mr. Ajith. When Samridhi@Kochi started in 2021, it offered meals for ₹10 with the State government offering another ₹10 as a subsidy. Though the government stopped that subsidy in August 2023, meals continue to be effectively sold for ₹20, notwithstanding the surge in the prices of essential items since then. This has been made possible by including more items in the menu at reasonable prices and thus facilitating cross-subsidy. Samridhi@Kochi sells 2,500 to 3,000 meals a day and is now open around the clock. The basic principle is to offer quality food at reasonable prices while generating jobs with decent income.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store