'I saw remarkable development all around Kerala when I returned to the state after several months; only extreme poverty has been eradicated'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor Mammootty said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has taken on a great responsibility by declaring Kerala free from extreme poverty. He added that the next step is to overcome poverty itself. Mammootty was speaking at the event held at Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium to declare Kerala as an “Extreme Poverty-Free State.”

“I’m happy that this declaration is happening on Kerala Piravi Day. Now, we must work together to overcome poverty. By declaring Kerala free from extreme poverty, the Chief Minister has taken on an even greater responsibility. Only extreme poverty has been eradicated. Poverty still exists before us. Today marks the beginning of a bigger mission to overcome it. Kerala has faced and overcome many crises before, and I believe we can also overcome poverty,” Mammootty said.

“I have been away from Kerala for the past eight months and haven’t attended any public events. Now that I am back, I can see remarkable development all around. Kerala is a model in many ways. But true development is not just about highways and tall buildings. It lies in improving our social life. For that, poverty must be completely wiped out. Such places are rare in the world. No matter how impressive the development looks, it has no value in front of a hungry stomach. Real development happens only when those hungry people are cared for. I hope today’s declaration becomes a model for that,” he added.

Mammootty concluded his speech by extending Kerala Piravi Day greetings and wishing a happy birthday to those born on this day.