Loka Kerala Sabha to Hold Fifth Session, Expands Global Representation to 125 Countries

Thiruvananthapuram: The Loka Kerala Sabha, established in 2018 to formally connect Kerala with the global Malayali community, will hold its fifth session from January 29 to 31, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. The public session will be held on the evening of January 29 at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Trivandrum, followed by representative sessions on January 30 and 31 at the R Shankaranarayanan Thampi Hall in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

The Sabha’s membership comprises Kerala Legislative Assembly members, Members of Parliament representing Kerala, and nominated representatives of the Malayali diaspora residing both within India and abroad.

The Sabha also draws active participation from overseas Indian citizens, distinguished personalities with unique contributions across various fields, OCI card holders, and returnees who have concluded their overseas stay. This diverse involvement has transformed the forum into a comprehensive democratic gathering for Malayalis worldwide.

Started with representatives from 36 countries, the Loka Kerala Sabha has now expanded its reach to 125 countries, marking the Sabha’s global presence as the standout feature of its fifth session.

Kuttanad Development Initiatives

Under the second Kuttanad Package, the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has allocated 103.73 crore rupees for the cleaning of the Pazhukkanil Kayal, which connects Kottayam town with Thiruvaarppu Panchayat via Vembanad Lake. Additionally, KIIFB has earmarked 104 crore rupees for the development of Malarikkal Water Lily village.

The project aims to mitigate recurring flood damage caused by silted-up islets along the rivers. It includes dredging accumulated silt in Pazhukkanil Kayal and strengthening 27.8 km of peripheral bunds across J Block in Thiruvaarppu village, Thiruvaykkari, and F Block in Kottayam municipality, making them traffic-accessible while protecting paddy cultivation.

Protest Against Centre’s Financial Restrictions

The Chief Minister also highlighted ongoing financial pressures from the central government, which has been reducing funds, including public accounts, beyond Kerala’s permissible borrowing limits since 2017. In response, a satyagraha is scheduled for January 12 at the Rakthasakshi Mandapam in Trivandrum. The protest will see the participation of ministers, MLAs, and MPs, urging public support against what the state perceives as a financial blockade imposed by the Centre.