THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said that the progress made by Kerala under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in various fields will strengthen India. He was speaking at the Republic Day celebrations at Central Stadium here.

Kerala has become the first digital state in the country in the field of education. The state also topped the Justice Commission's National School Education Index. Sree Narayana Guru Open University and the establishment of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences and Technology are major achievements in higher education.

Setting up online classes for students is inspiring. Internet and television for children were provided in areas where infrastructure was inadequate. Six thousand classrooms were built for students in the tribal areas.

The Home Mission provided housing to the homeless under the auspices of the State Government. Two and a half lakh houses have been constructed through the PMAY Life project.

Kerala also effectively confronted Covid with innovative ideas including Break the Chain. Kerala has received worldwide acclaim for keeping Covid deaths at the lowest rate than any other state. Out of 674 primary health centers, 461 were converted into family health centers. Kudumbasree has adopted a policy of welfare and care and has set up community kitchens to provide food to all during lockdown. Food kits were distributed to all ration card holders.

The country's fight against Covid is on the verge of victory. Covid vaccination is being done all over the country. Two vaccines developed by Indian scientists and doctors in record time have earned the trust of the world. History will record this as an epic breakthrough in Indian science. India's self-reliance not only in vaccine development but also in the manufacture of ventilators and PPE kits is evident in the Make in India project.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister Kadakampally Surendran, Mayor Arya Rajendran, Binoy Vishwam MP, MLAs O Rajagopal and VS. Sivakumar, VK Prashanth, M Vincent, Governor's wife Reshma Arif, Chief Minister's wife Kamala and Governor's family members were present.

The governor's regular Republic Day reception at the palace was canceled due to Covid.