Inaugurating the 60th State Conference of the Kerala NGO Union

 Inaugurating the 60th State Conference of the Kerala NGO Union

 Inaugurating the 60th State Conference of the Kerala NGO Union, academician and activist Ram Puniyani praised Kerala as a true role model for the country. He highlighted the peaceful coexistence of people from various religions and atheists in the state, who unite against communal forces that seek to divide society. However, Puniyani expressed concern about attempts to defame Kerala through films like 'Kerala Story', suggesting that such endeavors aimed to incite hatred against different communities. He emphasized the importance of countering this hatred through logical discourse and debunking the misconstruction of facts.

Image source /the Hindu

Puniyani further argued that the propagation of hatred was a deliberate tactic used by those who stood to benefit from violence and discord. He traced the origins of Hindutva nationalism to socially declining classes, such as landlords and priests, who felt threatened by the rising empowerment of oppressed classes through modern education. By generating animosity, these forces aimed to maintain their own influence and control.

During the conference, the NGO Union State Council passed a resolution unanimously endorsing the merger of the Kerala Municipal and Corporation Staff Union (KMCSU) with the union. This merger was significant, considering the formation of local self-government common services and the inclusion of municipal employees in government services. The resolution reflected the long-standing demand for municipal corporation staff and demonstrated their growing integration into the larger framework of government services. The conference also elected M.V. Sasidharan as the State President, M.A. Ajith Kumar as the General Secretary, and V.K. Sheeja as the treasurer of the union.

Ram Puniyani's remarks underscore the recognition of Kerala as a state that sets an example for the rest of the country. Its inclusive and harmonious social fabric serves as a beacon of hope in a time when divisive ideologies seek to create rifts between communities. By countering attempts to defame the state and promoting logical discourse, Kerala can continue to be a shining model of communal harmony and progress.

In his address at the 60th State Conference of the Kerala NGO Union, academician, and activist Ram Puniyani hailed Kerala as a role model state for the rest of the country. He commended Kerala's ability to demonstrate a path of inclusivity, peace, and communal harmony, where people from diverse religions and even atheists coexist in unity. Puniyani emphasized that Kerala stands as a shining example of a society that rejects divisive communal forces and works towards maintaining social cohesion.

However, Puniyani expressed concern over attempts to defame Kerala, particularly through the production of films like 'Kerala Story'. He argued that these films were part of a political strategy aimed at inciting emotions and creating hatred among different communities. The intention behind such endeavors, according to Puniyani, was to tarnish the image of Kerala and undermine its harmonious fabric.

Puniyani stressed the need to counter the hatred generated by such propaganda through logical and rational means. He called for a proactive approach in debunking misconstructions of facts and dispelling divisive narratives. By doing so, the people of Kerala can stand united against efforts to sow discord and ensure that the state's reputation remains intact.

Puniyani further highlighted the underlying motives behind the dissemination of hatred. He traced the roots of Hindutva nationalism to socially declining classes, including landlords and priests, who viewed the empowerment of marginalized and oppressed classes through modern education as a threat to their established privileges. The spread of hatred and violence, according to Puniyani, serves the interests of these groups, as it allows them to maintain control and suppress social progress.

During the conference, the NGO Union State Council unanimously passed a resolution regarding the merger of the Kerala Municipal and Corporation Staff Union (KMCSU) with the NGO Union. This decision held significance in light of the formation of local self-government common services, a longstanding demand of the municipal corporation staff. The merger facilitated the integration of municipal employees into government services, further strengthening their representation and collective voice.

The conference also witnessed the election of key positions within the NGO Union. M.V. Sasidharan was chosen as the State President, M.A. Ajith Kumar as the General Secretary, and V.K. Sheeja as the treasurer. These appointments reflect the commitment of the union to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of its members.

In conclusion, Ram Puniyani's speech celebrated Kerala as a state that exemplifies communal harmony and unity. While praising Kerala's progressive values, he raised concerns about attempts to defame the state through films and divisive narratives. Puniyani urged the people of Kerala to respond to such attempts by countering hatred with logical arguments and ensuring that Kerala's inclusive spirit remains unharmed. The conference also marked significant developments, including the merger of KMCSU with the NGO Union, strengthening the representation and influence of the municipal corporation staff.