Ujjwala scheme symbol of progress, says Modi
New Delhi, May 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with Ujjwala beneficiaries across the country through video-conferencing and said the scheme has become a symbol of progress.
Three Ujjwala beneficiaries were present at each of the over 600 centres across the country for this interaction.
Besides, an estimated 10 lakh people viewed the interaction through various platforms including Narendra Modi app, television channels and social media platforms, a government statement said.
Expressing happiness at being able to interact with the beneficiaries and share their experiences through technology, Modi said the scheme was driving remarkable social transformation and in turn influencing a holistic development of the country.
According to the government, approximately four crore women in rural areas have received LPG connections so far through the Ujjwala Yojana.
"In all, nearly 10 crore new LPG connections have been issued in the four years since 2014 as compared to 13 crore in the nearly six decade period from 1955 to 2014.
"Now, 69 per cent villages have 100 per cent LPG penetration, while 81 per cent villages have more than 75 per cent LPG penetration," the government said.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister pointed out that Ujjwala had brought about benefits through better health outcomes, freedom from poisonous smoke and cleaner fuel.
"Women now have a greater opportunity to earn extra income as time spent on cooking has got reduced," he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government had been trying to ensure that there were no middlemen involved in this scheme and the beneficiaries were chosen through a transparent process.
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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.
