Latest news with #Sabarimala
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kerala Railway Projects: CPM MP urges rail minister to reject move to surrender Kerala project funds, ET Infra
Advt Advt Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas has written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Railway Board, requesting them to reject the Southern Railway 's move to surrender funds allocated for projects in Kerala in the 2025-26 separate letters addressed to Vaishnaw and the Railway Board chairman, Brittas has expressed strong objection to a proposal submitted by the Southern Railway through a letter dated May 14 to surrender a substantial portion of the funds allocated in the budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 for the Angamali-Sabarimala and Tirunavaya-Guruvayur railway has urged for immediate intervention to discard the Southern Railway's recommendation and ensure continued financial support for these crucial projects in the southern state."These projects, envisaged decades ago, remain unfinished due to persistent institutional apathy, despite their strategic, economic, and socio-cultural significance," Brittas said in his letter addressed to termed the move a blatant continuation of the long-standing neglect of Kerala's railway infrastructure and emphasised that the Angamali-Sabarimala line is of national significance given the magnitude of the Sabarimala pilgrimage , while the Tirunavaya-Guruvayur line is vital for improving connectivity in northern pointed out that the Southern Railway has also proposed surrendering funds for projects in Tamil Nadu, revealing a broader pattern of bureaucratic disregard for long-standing railway demands in south India."The decision to surrender funds, ironically justified by citing a 'frozen' status, amounts to a perpetuation of neglect rather than an attempt at rectification. It is pertinent to note that the very status of these projects as 'frozen' is symptomatic of the broader pattern of railway discrimination against Kerala, where critical demands are either delayed or denied," the Left leader requested the minister to issue directions to the board to reject the Southern Railway's recommendations in this regard and instruct the authorities concerned to ensure the continuation, acceleration and proper funding of these long-pending projects."Kerala cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for basic rail infrastructure," he said.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CPI(M) MP opposes railways' move to surrender funds for projects in Kerala
New Delhi, Communist Party of India MP John Brittas has written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Railway Board, requesting them to reject the Southern Railway's move to surrender funds allocated for projects in Kerala in the 2025-26 budget. In separate letters addressed to Vaishnaw and the Railway Board chairman, Brittas has expressed strong objection to a proposal submitted by the Southern Railway through a letter dated May 14 to surrender a substantial portion of the funds allocated in the budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 for the Angamali-Sabarimala and Tirunavaya-Guruvayur railway lines. He has urged for immediate intervention to discard the Southern Railway's recommendation and ensure continued financial support for these crucial projects in the southern state. "These projects, envisaged decades ago, remain unfinished due to persistent institutional apathy, despite their strategic, economic, and socio-cultural significance," Brittas said in his letter addressed to Vaishnaw. He termed the move a blatant continuation of the long-standing neglect of Kerala's railway infrastructure and emphasised that the Angamali-Sabarimala line is of national significance given the magnitude of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, while the Tirunavaya-Guruvayur line is vital for improving connectivity in northern Kerala. He pointed out that the Southern Railway has also proposed surrendering funds for projects in Tamil Nadu, revealing a broader pattern of bureaucratic disregard for long-standing railway demands in south India. "The decision to surrender funds, ironically justified by citing a 'frozen' status, amounts to a perpetuation of neglect rather than an attempt at rectification. It is pertinent to note that the very status of these projects as 'frozen' is symptomatic of the broader pattern of railway discrimination against Kerala, where critical demands are either delayed or denied," the Left leader said. He requested the minister to issue directions to the board to reject the Southern Railway's recommendations in this regard and instruct the authorities concerned to ensure the continuation, acceleration and proper funding of these long-pending projects. "Kerala cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for basic rail infrastructure," he said.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Tech mate! Kerala is all set to be named first digitally literate state
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is all set to become the country's first digitally literate state. In an effort to digitally empower citizens, the local self-government department (LSGD) launched a comprehensive project -- Digi Kerala -- in 2023 to identify people between the ages of 14 and 65 who do not have basic digital knowledge. The survey covered 8,332,343 families in the state and identified 21,88,398 people. LSGD Minister MB Rajesh said that around 99.99% of the individuals passed the evaluation following training. He said that President Droupadi Murmu is likely to make the declaration while on a two-day trip to Kerala to visit Sabarimala this month. 'I met her in person and she is yet to finalise the date for the declaration. We are hoping that the declaration will happen when she comes to Kerala for the Sabarimala visit,' the minister told TNIE . In 2022, Pullampara, in Thiruvananthapuram, was declared the first first fully digital literate panchayat in the country. LSGD designed the Digi Kerala initiative after taking inspiration from the efforts of the panchayat. Rajesh said that digital literacy is essential for every citizen in today's tech-driven world and Kerala has been a model state when it comes to literacy. 'All public delivery services have been digitised and it's essential for the common man to have digital knowledge to avail all those services. Hence we took this as a mission,' the minister said. The digitally illiterate citizens were identified with the help of mobile applications using the service of thousands of volunteers from Kudumbashree, NSS, NCC, Library Council, and State Literacy Mission. Digital literacy was imparted through modules designed by KILA (Kerala Institute of Local Administration). 'We trained volunteers to impart the lessons,' Rajesh added. Tech-tonic Shift Digi Kerala: The LSGD initiative was launched in 2023 to identify and train digitally illiterate people in the state The project Surveyed over 1.5 cr people from more than 83.32 lakh families Identified and trained 21,88,385 people Evaluation was carried out through mobile applications on people falling within 14-65 age group 99.99% Of those tested -- 21,84,985 people -- cleared the evaluation
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
With 'Thudarum', Pathanamthitta's verdant beauty is gaining momentum in Mollywood
PATHANAMTHITTA: As the Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum is making waves at the box office, the Pathanamthitta district also has its moment in the spotlight, showcasing a perfect setting for compelling Malayalam films. Despite challenges in hosting full-scale film productions, the district's picturesque landscapes and rich cultural backdrop with hill shrines such as Sabarimala to art forms like Padayani make it a favorite for filmmakers and audiences alike. Even when movies are not entirely shot in Pathanamthitta, the district's charm and identity remain integral to the narratives. Social media platforms have amplified the district's association with Malayalam cinema. Netizens point out how viewers associate the region with films like Thudarum, with Mohanlal's portrayal of a Ranni native resonating deeply. It reflects a growing appreciation for Pathanamthitta as a cinematic muse. Adding to Pathanamthitta's cinematic allure is its connection to Mohanlal. His family hails from Elanthur, Pathanamthitta, strengthens the bond between the actor and the district. Fans often view Mohanlal's roles set in Pathanamthitta, like in Thudarum, as a tribute to his roots, further cementing the district's place in the hearts of Malayalam cinema enthusiasts. While Pathanamthitta's beauty is undeniable, logistical hurdles such as limited transportation and camping facilities and lack of other essential infrastructures make it challenging for filmmakers to conduct full-fledged shoots. As a result, many movies set in the district end up being filmed elsewhere. For instance, Gavi, a major eco-tourism spot in the district, came to the limelight after Ordinary, a 2012 Malayalam thriller-comedy starring Biju Menon, Kunchacko Boban, and Asif Ali, based on the incidents related to a KSRTC bus to Gavi. Though it was shot mainly in Gavi, multiple parts of the film was shot in other localities.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
President Murmu's visit to boost Sabarimala's prominence
PATHANAMTHITTA: President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the Sabarimala temple on May 19, as part of her two-day trip to Kerala, will be a milestone for the temple. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, described the proposed visit as a significant moment in the temple's history. 'At a time when Sabarimala is gaining prominence as a major spiritual and religious centre globally, the visit of the President will be a milestone in the overall development of Sabarimala. Another President, V V Giri, had visited the hill shrine a long time ago. However, the first citizen's visit in recent times will be both special and beneficial for the shrine,' TDB president P S Prashanth told TNIE. Sources said Murmu's visit aligns with the Edava month pooja, with the temple opening for rituals on May 14 at 5pm and closing on May 19 at 10pm. Murmu will reach Kerala on May 18. She is likely to attend a jubilee conference at St Thomas' College, Pala, and her overnight stay is likely at Kottayam or Kumarakom. On May 19, she may reach Nilakkal via helicopter before proceeding to the Pampa base camp. From Pampa, Murmu will either undertake the traditional 4.25-km-long trek to Sannidhanam or use the steep emergency road leading to the shrine. The Special Protection Group (SPG), which oversees the President's security, will decide the mode of travel.
