Onam means grandeur, nothing less

Onam radiates the message of unity and cultural togetherness. In India, a land of diversity, almost all states have different celebrations related to their culture, myths and customs. Expatriates and Malayalees across the globe always choose the Onam season every year to visit their homeland. People abroad sometimes may have to cut short their planned visit due to personal or professional reasons. However, it doesn’t strip them of their duty to prepare a feast and celebrate the festival in its true spirit, even if it is abroad. On Thiruvonam, the most auspicious day during the Onam festival, family members gather together to enjoy a feast and indulge in games to uphold the strong family bonhomie.

The idea and the emotional connect of Onam need not be understood by Union Ministers from Hindi-speaking states. Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that Kerala will not be given an additional share of rice and wheat for Onam. The union minister’s stance comes after the meeting with Kerala’s food minister, G R Anil. Kerala demanded five kg more rice and wheat for non-priority groups to control the price hike for Onam. While other states are being showered with help during festival season, Kerala is being continuously shown the door.

For a long time, the central government had a tradition of allocating more rice and wheat to the state during Onam. If the union minister remains stern on his stance, ministers from Kerala should be ready to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reach a solution.

Until ten years ago, all cardholders in Kerala were receiving ration without discrimination. After the Food Security Act and other laws were passed, only the priority categories, yellow and pink cardholders, are receiving rations as per that law. In addition to this, the state is providing rations to non-priority categories from the 'tide over' allocation received. The supply of wheat that Kerala used to receive earlier under the 'tide over' allocation has now been stopped. Although a request was made, the Central government has hitherto not responded.

The denial to allow more rice and wheat solidifies the opposition allegations of the BJP's sabre-rattling approach in states ruled by non-BJP governments. The state Public Distribution Department is often able to contain the price hike during Onam due to the additional assistance it receives from the Centre. In a federal system, the Central Government also has a responsibility to help Kerala celebrate Onam in all its grandeur. The neglect towards Kerala must stop.