Kollam: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday described Kerala as a "stronghold of secularism" and said atrocities in the name of caste and religion abound in various parts of the country, PTI reported.
He noted that the southern state possesses unique features, and the robust secular credentials make Kerala stand out as a model among other states.
The CM was speaking after unveiling a bronze statue of saint-social reformer and renaissance leader Sree Narayana Guru at the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex here.
While reports of assault on women and children, communal riots and murders are on the rise elsewhere, Kerala remains committed to its secular fabric, the Left veteran added.
"Amidst this, Kerala stands as a stronghold of secularism. Beyond doubt, we can say that the interventions of Sree Narayana Guru had laid a strong foundation for the state's secular credentials," he said.
Vijayan stressed that cultural complexes should function not merely as physical structures, but as spaces for dialogue, artistic expression, and the promotion of progressive social ideas inspired by the Guru's teachings.
Recently, inaugurating the 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam in Kerala’s Thrissur, Vijayan said that art should not just bring pleasure, it should awaken people to the "burning experiences of life" and fight against those who try to destroy peace and happiness in the name of religion.
"With the end of feudalism and the birth of a new era based on democracy and secularism, the nature of arts changed. All arts became everyone's. Art brought secularism and democracy to life. School art festivals played a vital role in it," he said.