Thiruvananthapuram: On Independence Day, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued a strong warning against forces attempting to fracture the nation by exploiting caste and religion. Addressing the gathering at Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium after hoisting the national flag,CM urged citizens not to lose sight of India’s deeper social realities despite the country’s progress in science, technology, and other fields over the past eight decades.
Highlighting the unfulfilled dream of an India free from poverty, hunger, child labour, caste discrimination, religious hatred, and unemployment, the CM called for a renewed commitment to building a truly inclusive and progressive nation. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s example of connecting with the most marginalized rather than indulging in surface-level celebrations, CM cautioned against becoming blind to underlying societal challenges.
CM praised India’s democratic resilience but noted growing demands for religious rule as a threat to the nation’s secular foundation. Warning of both external imperialist threats and internal communal divides, CM stressed that unity across all sections of society is essential to protecting the “idea of India.”
“Freedom, democracy, and secularism are not up for debate — they are values to be implemented,” CM declared, urging every citizen to stand guard over the Constitution’s principles.
