Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram, acknowledged the devastating impact of the recent landslides in Wayanad and criticised the lack of a precise disaster warning system in the country. In his address on Thursday, he called for collective efforts to strengthen the state’s resilience and recovery. While expressing sorrow over the disaster, he urged citizens to rise above their grief and focus on rebuilding together.
“Today, as we celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day, we do so in an atmosphere of profound sorrow due to the Wayanad disaster. This grief is not confined to Kerala alone; the entire nation shares in this pain. However, we cannot be paralysed by it. We must focus on collective efforts for the overall resilience and recovery of our state,” he stated.
The Chief Minister highlighted the urgent need for more precise disaster predictions, emphasising that past experiences have shown the limitations of general warnings. He called for steps to elevate the country’s disaster preparedness to meet modern challenges.
“Despite our achievements in science and technology, it’s troubling that even in the 21st century, our country struggles to accurately predict natural disasters and establish effective defences to protect lives and property. We need precise predictions, not just general warnings,” CM Vijayan remarked.
He also underscored Kerala’s accomplishments in health, education, and governance, noting the state’s leadership in sustainable development goals, effective governance, and low corruption rates. The Chief Minister reaffirmed Kerala’s commitment to evolving into a “Nava Kerala,” aligned with contemporary needs and aspirations.
Addressing various state-level reforms and projects, Vijayan outlined plans for developing temple eco-tourism, reinstating old educational policies, and enhancing the ration distribution system. He emphasised the state’s commitment to social justice, the elimination of poverty, and support for vulnerable sections of society, including the use of artificial intelligence for state welfare.
Vijayan paid tribute to the heroes of India’s freedom struggle, highlighting their dream of establishing a democratic system of governance. He praised India’s enduring democracy, noting that while many newly independent nations have struggled, India has successfully preserved and strengthened its democratic institutions.
Reflecting on India’s progress over the past 78 years, CM Vijayan cited advancements in literacy, education, health, technology, and the country’s emergence as a global hub for IT and startups. He also noted India’s achievements in science and space exploration.
However, he expressed concern over the revival of superstitions and regressive practices, warning that such forces threaten the nation’s progress and the fabric of its secularism. “Forces are attempting to bring back the darkness we once overcame, using caste and communalism as weapons,” he said.
Vijayan also highlighted key initiatives, including the central government’s promotion of solar energy and green hydrogen, the development of new industrial clusters, and enhanced infrastructure projects. He reiterated the importance of improving disaster predictions and defences, stressing the need for better preparedness in the face of recent challenges.
Reflecting on India’s progress over the past 78 years, CM Vijayan cited advancements in literacy, education, health, technology, and the country’s emergence as a global hub for IT and startups. He also noted India’s achievements in science and space exploration.
However, he expressed concern over the revival of superstitions and regressive practices, warning that such forces threaten the nation’s progress and the fabric of its secularism. “Forces are attempting to bring back the darkness we once overcame, using caste and communalism as weapons,” he said.
Vijayan also highlighted key initiatives, including the central government’s promotion of solar energy and green hydrogen, the development of new industrial clusters, and enhanced infrastructure projects. He reiterated the importance of improving disaster predictions and defences, stressing the need for better preparedness in the face of recent challenges.
