Bengaluru, July 02: Displaying the roadmap of the JDS-Congress coalition government in the state, Governor Vajubhai Vala said that “Farmers, don’t commit suicide for any reasons. For the first time in the country, the state government is going to introduce a model programme on experimental basis to ensure scientific prices for agriculture produces”.

The Governor who came to Vidhana Soudha from Raj Bhavan at 12.30 pm, was received by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, Legislative Council pro-tem Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwar and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. When the Governor came to the Speaker’s chair, National Anthem was sung. At 12.30 pm, the Governor started his speech in the joint session and wished that the knowledge of the experienced members should become the guiding lamp for the newcomers.

In his speech, the Governor said that “in coming days, my government would tread the new path with new vision. The government is committed to ensure the welfare of all people including the backward classes, women, youth, farmers and those who are denied opportunities. The government will come out with a new programme for the comprehensive development of rural and urban areas. The government will also give skills development training for unemployed youth belonging to SC/ST categories. A separate programme will be introduced to uplift the socio-economic condition of Muslim women. Online ration distribution system is in place”, he said.

The government set up a 2000 MW solar power plant at Pavagada and it has planned to set up 20 MW each solar power plant in each taluk of the state to take the total power generation to 26,985 MW. Steps would be taken to provide free gas connection to the BPL families, scientific methods to protect the quality of river water, free coaching classes for SC/ST students, he said.

Blue revolution

For the development of fisheries, the government would introduce blue revolution in collaboration with the employment guarantee scheme. The roads would be developed as all season roads. By 2021 March, 118 km long Bengaluru Metro train route would be completed and it is expected that the number of passengers would be increased from 3.6 lakh to 20 lakh, the Governor said.

Seeking the help of the elected representatives to reach the programmes of the government to the people and take them to the national level, the Governor said that everyone should come together to find solution to the problems of the people.

But he has never mentioned anything about the much expected farm loan waiver in his speech. The Governor completed his speech within 30 minutes and went.

“Karnataka is known for maintaining the financial discipline effectively. In order to improve the financial condition, we are in the forefront in developing a map to accumulate the funds”.

-  Vajubhai Vala, Governor



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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.