CM Pinarayi Vijayan advocates for unrestricted opportunities for women in cinema, presents Sri Mohanam award to Mohanlal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the importance of providing women with unrestricted opportunities to fearlessly showcase their talents in cinema, stating that there should be no non-artistic restrictions placed on artists. He made these remarks while presenting the second Sri Mohanam award, instituted by the Sreekumaran Thambi Foundation, to actor Mohanlal.

The Chief Minister underscored the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for women in the film industry. "When complaints were raised, we responded by appointing an all-women committee. This is something unique to Kerala and we can be proud of it. This model will be adopted in many other places," he said. He also reiterated the government's uncompromising stance on promoting women's career opportunities and dignity, adding that the art scene will be cleansed to allow women to safely demonstrate their skills.

Pinarayi Vijayan further highlighted the responsibility of those in the film industry to ensure that their work does not corrupt minds. "Artists have a duty to uphold the moral values expected by the people who love and revere them," he said.

The event was presided over by Foundation Chairman Gokulam Gopalan, with Minister Saji Cherian delivering the keynote address. Sreekumaran Thambi presented the award certificate to Mohanlal. In a gesture of appreciation, Mohanlal presented a special gift from the Foundation to Kalliyur Sasi for his lifetime contribution to cinema.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included former Speaker M Vijayakumar, NIMS MD Faisal Khan, C Sivankutty, Jayasekharan Nair and Priyadarshan Thambi.