Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed an event organized by the All India Malayalee Association (AIMA) in New Delhi on July 2, 2023, where he highlighted Kerala's significant contribution to India's economic, cultural, and political progress. He credited the efforts of the government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for propelling India into the top five global economies in terms of GDP.
Referring to reports from experts and institutions predicting that India will be among the top three economies by 2027, Shri Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that by India's 100th year of independence in 2047, it will become the world's largest economy. He emphasized the need for collaboration among states, NGOs, and institutions to achieve Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the global recognition and acceptance of Indian culture, noting that practices like the traditional greeting with folded hands during the Covid-19 pandemic and the celebration of International Day of Yoga have increased interest in Indian culture worldwide.
Shri Rajnath Singh attributed India's enhanced global reputation to its rich cultural heritage and the political unity fostered by the constitution. He acknowledged the contributions of two distinguished individuals from Kerala – the renowned 8th-century scholar and philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, who united India religiously, culturally, and spiritually, and Shri VP Menon, who played a pivotal role in India's political integration under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Raksha Mantri regarded Adi Shankaracharya as the soul of India and VP Menon as instrumental in shaping the country's development.
The Raksha Mantri also emphasized India's cultural diversity, describing it as a convergence of various religions, castes, and sects. He acknowledged Kerala's unique identity on India's cultural map, highlighting its role in the emergence of the Sanatan culture through Adi Shankaracharya, as well as the presence of Christianity and Islam in the state. He mentioned that St. Thomas, one of the 12 main disciples of Jesus Christ, is believed to have come to India and established seven churches in Kerala, while the first mosque, 'Cheraman Juma,' was built in Thrissur. He attributed Kerala's title of 'God's own country' to its rich spiritual heritage.
Shri Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to Kerala's role in modern Indian history, particularly during the freedom struggle. He mentioned K. Kalappan, known as the Gandhi of Kerala, who played a crucial role in the non-cooperation movement and the Quit India movement. He also highlighted the contributions of other revolutionary freedom fighters from Kerala, including Accamma Cherian, known as the Jhansi Rani of Kerala.
The Raksha Mantri acknowledged the efforts of Kerala's social reformers, such as Sadananda Swamiji, Padmanabhan Palpu, and Narayan Guru ji, who championed equality, women's rights, and empowerment of the lower strata of society through education, philosophy, science, and technology.
Shri Rajnath Singh commended AIMA for its endeavors to improve various sectors in Kerala. He recognized the remarkable work of NGOs, particularly AIMA, during the 2018 floods in Kerala. He praised the role of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations as bridges between the government and the people, facilitating deeper access to ensure welfare and social upliftment.
