Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday led the State in celebrating the nation’s 71st Independence Day with gaiety, patriotic fervour and enthusiasm by urging the people to defeat any attempt to “poison and dilute” the idea of nationalism that had evolved through “diversity, secularism and democratic values”.
Giving his Independence Day message to the people after unfurling the Tricolour and taking the salute of the various forces, NCC, Scouts and Guides, etc, at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, the CM said that nationalism did not mean hatred towards others’ religions and languages and other nations.
Pinarayi said, “The evolution of India’s nationalism has been through the principles of democratic and secular values and diversity. Indian nationalism is the product of a melding of diversity. Such nationalism should not be allowed to deviate into narrow religious nationalism and hatred. All attempts to poison and dilute this nationalism should be defeated.”
Efforts to eliminate the country’s diversity through imposition of uniformity using any symbol would lead to disintegration of nationalism. Pinarayi said, adding that a nationalism built on narrow-mindedness would pose a threat to the country and its people. He also stressed on the need to uphold the fundamental values of the Constitution.
Independence Day celebrations were held at different district headquarters under the leadership of different Ministers. Health Minister KK Shailaja led the celebrations in Kannur by unfurling the Tricolor at the Police Grounds. In Wayanad, Ports Minister Kadannappally Ramachandran hoisted the flag at the district headquarters, Kalpetta.
Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran, Industries Minister AC Moideen, Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas, local Administration Minister KT Jaleel, Education Minister C Raveendranath and law Minister AK Balan led the celebrations in Alappuzha, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts respectively.
Independence Day was also celebrated at all main centres in the State, Government offices, educational institutions, offices of political parties, etc. Apart from Independence Day processions by students and children, parades were held across the State by the Kerala Police, Fire Rescue Force and NCC and Scouts and Guides.