Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Kerala CM Advocates Art for Peace
The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, recently spoke at the start of a big art festival called Kerala School Kalolsavam.
He said that art should not just be for fun, but also to help people understand important life experiences and fight against those who try to cause trouble in the name of religion.
He mentioned that in the past, art was limited to certain groups, but now it should be for everyone.
He also talked about how some people are trying to restrict certain arts to specific religions, which he believes is wrong.
He encouraged the new generation to use art to bring people together.
A union minister, Suresh Gopi, was also present but chose not to respond to the CM's political remarks.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam, an art festival with 14,000 student participants.
Vijayan emphasized that art should awaken people to life's experiences and fight against those who disrupt peace in the name of religion.
He highlighted the historical confinement of art to specific castes or religions and the role of art festivals in promoting secularism and democracy.
Vijayan mentioned instances of communalists trying to restrict certain arts to specific religions and attacking children's Christmas carols.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi was present but chose not to respond to the CM's political remarks to uphold the event's dignity.
- Who
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi
- What
- Inauguration of the 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam (art festival)
- When
- January 14
- Where
- Thrissur, Kerala
- Why
- To promote art as a tool for peace and unity, and to commemorate the cultural significance of the festival
- Event
- 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam
- Participants
- 14,000 students
- Venues
- 24 (named after flowers)
- Location
- Thrissur, Kerala
- Inaugurated by
- Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
- Union Minister Present
- Suresh Gopi
- Events
- 249
- Year Festival Started
- 1956