Unfortunate Pakistan didn't respond to Modi's ceasefire gesture: Mehbooba
Srinagar, May 19: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the dais at a function here, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday took a dig at Pakistan for not responding positively to India's "goodwill gesture" of Ramadan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir.
"It takes a large heart and a position of strength to declare the Ramadan ceasefire. You have tried to dress the wounds of our people and I assure you that your positive step will be reciprocated by 10 positive steps by our people," Mehbooba Mufti said.
She was addressing the function at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar where Modi inaugurated the 330 megawatt Kishenganga hydro-electric power project and also laid the foundation of the Srinagar Ring Road to de-congest the city.
"It is unfortunate that Pakistan has not responded to this goodwill gesture. Had they responded positively then precious lives would not have been lost in yesterday's firing by Pakistan on the border in Jammu," the Chief Minister said.
She said the Prime Minister had the mandate and the stature to solve all the problems of the people in the state, recalling that remedies were in the agenda of alliance between the PDP and the BJP.
"There are solutions to problems faced by west Pakistan refugees, by migrant Pandits and also for the problems faced by the state because of the Indus Water Treaty.
"You have the mandate and the capacity to solve the problems of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and I am sure you have the stature to solve all the problems faced by us."
The Chief Minister said Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had been very kind to address the developmental problems of the state.
"My late father would say even if we build roads of gold in Kashmir, it is all lost once an innocent life is lost here," she said.
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Kerala government to create microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’ to boost tourism
Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to showcase Kerala’s rich Islamic heritage and attract a diverse range of tourists, the Kerala government will create a microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’. The initiative, supported by Kerala Tourism, will feature a comprehensive digital presentation tracing the historical and cultural roots of Islam in the state. Kerala Tourism has sanctioned a sum of Rs 93.8 lakh for the development of the microsite, which aims to highlight the socio-cultural evolution of Islam in Kerala over centuries.
Islam has a deep-rooted history in Kerala, dating back to the 7th century. The microsite will serve as a digital platform to explore the role of Islam in shaping Kerala’s history, architecture, lifestyle, arts, and cultural practices.
The microsite will be divided into six chapters, each highlighting a distinct aspect of Islamic heritage in Kerala, aimed at both domestic and international travellers. According to an RTI filed recently, the content for the microsite is currently under development, with active research being carried out. Field shoots are being conducted at various historic mosques across the state to visually document it.
The first chapter, ‘History of Islam in Kerala’ will focus on the early introduction of Islam in the region, particularly through traders and their first settlement along the Malabar coast, as reported by The Hindu.
Chapter two will be on the Islamic pilgrim centres in Kerala such as Beemapally in Thiruvananthapuram and Juma Masjid in Kasaragod. A host of ancient mosques which are pilgrim centres, including the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, Jama-at Mosque in Malappuram, Mishkal Mosque in Kozhikode, Odathil Palli in Thalassery, Palayam Mosque in Thiruvananthapuram, Ponnani Juma Masjid, Pazhayangadi Mosque in Kondotty and Vavar Mosque in Erumely, will be featured, the publication added.
A third chapter will delve into the rich culinary skills of Muslims — Mappila cuisine, the distinct culinary tradition that blends traditional Kerala, Persian, Yemeni, and Arab influences. This segment will highlight the vibrant costumes of the community, including weddings, pre-wedding, and post-wedding ceremonies, which are expected to be an attraction for tourists.
Another chapter will focus on architecture, particularly the fusion of Arabic and indigenous construction techniques seen in the state.
The final chapter will cover art forms and festivals celebrated by Muslims in Kerala, including the influence of Mappila songs, a form of folklore that emerged in the 16th century.
“There is a need to bring together all the information on Islam, which played an important role in shaping Kerala, under one roof, as part of tourism promotion. This will help tourists and play a major role in bringing religious scholars, historians, students, and pilgrims to Kerala,” a senior officer with Kerala Tourism told the news outlet.
The launch date of the ‘Islam in Kerala’ microsite has not been decided yet. Earlier, Kerala Tourism had created similar microsites on Christianity, Judaism, and temples in Kerala.
