'Sabarimala will be made global pilgrimage destination'; Minister Vasavan about Global Ayyappa Summit

SABARIMALA: Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan told Kerala Kaumudi that the aim of the Global Ayyappa Summit, to be held at Pampa on the 20th, is to transform Sabarimala — the centre of the universal humanistic message “Tat Tvam Asi” — into a global pilgrimage destination. With the Sabarimala airport and Sabari rail project becoming a reality, the number of pilgrims is expected to rise, and supporting infrastructure must be expanded accordingly. A master plan is needed as part of efforts to develop Sabarimala into a global tourist destination. These will be the main topics of discussion at the summit, the minister said.

Representatives from 35 foreign countries and devotees from all Indian states will take part. Around 4,000 have already registered, from which 3,000 delegates will be selected—priority will be given to those who have visited Sabarimala the most. Organisations such as the World Kerala Sabha, All India Malayalee Association, Ambalappuzha-Alangad group, SNDP, NSS, KPMS, Malayaraya Sabha, Vishwakarma community, and Navothana Samithi will be represented.

SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan and NSS vice president Sangeeth Kumar have confirmed participation. NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair has expressed full support, though he will send a representative due to travel difficulties. A German tent with a seating capacity of 3,000 is under construction, and the food arrangements will be managed by Pazhayidam Namboothiri.

Opposition divided
The minister alleged that the opposition had attempted to sabotage the event. "Even those who approached the High Court did not expect support there. There is confusion within the opposition over participating in the summit. There are differences of opinion between Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan and other leaders in the Congress, and that is why they did not announce the decision to boycott the summit. The BJP too shows signs of confusion, reflected in state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s statement that invitations should be political. The controversy created by the opposition has only led to the summit gaining public acceptance, and more unexpected sources of support are likely to emerge," the minister said.

Will follow court directions
Minister Vasavan assured that the summit will comply with all High Court guidelines. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event. Ministers from Tamil Nadu and other southern states, along with artists like Vijay Yesudas, Veeramani, and Shivamani, are expected to attend.