Impartial probe into Shiroor seer’s death sought
Kemaru, Vajradehi seers met SP
Udupi, July 21: Esha Vittala Swamiji of Kemaru Mutt and Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Vajradehi mutt on Saturday met SP Lakshman Nimbargi and urged for impartial investigation into the suspicious death of Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt.
Later speaking to media, the seers said that they have appealed the SP orally about conducting impartial investigation into the death case. There might be a man or woman behind this death and they sought impartial investigation and the SP responded positively. They have also said that if needed, they would give fresh complaint. But the SP said it was not necessary. But the SP said that if the FSL and autopsy report confirmed the poisoning, it would automatically be transferred to other investigating agency and later, the police would take statements, they added.
It was not the time to question the swamiji‘s celibacy and character, because, he was not alive. It was not good for any person to speak ill against a dead person. Now, one thing should be cleared on how the poison added into the food. That should get justice. The investigation should not be misled because of false propaganda. They have urged the SP not to take such false propaganda into consideration while investigating the issue, they said.
They have not made any allegation against the seers of Ashta Mutts and even they did not speak ill about them. They have respect on them. But being the disciple of Pejawar Seer, he would request him not to speak about the lapses. The Pejawar seer who responded when Hindu youth were killed and for burning issues, should demand investigation into the death of the swamiji. Every swamiji should come together to ensure justice to another swamiji. All seers of the Ashta Mutts should join their hands together, Kemaru Swamiji said.
Rajashekarananda Swamiji said that they have met the SP just to clear the suspicion on the death of Shiroor swamiji. The law should take its course. Only police department could trace the accused. The SP responded positively to their demand, he said.
Rs 12 cr loan business
They have also discussed about the torture from a Mumbai-based businessman on loan transaction for Kanaka Mall near Kalsanka. The businessman was supposed to give Rs 10-12 crore to repay the bank loan related to Kanaka Mall, Kemaru Swamiji 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.
