THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the Keralayeem program will be held every year. He also said that Keraleeyam will be made a global brand. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the Keraleeyam Mahotsavam at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

"The world has not known Kerala's achievements much. It must be called out that a miniature model of world culture is here in Kerala. Where else in the world can we find something like this? Kerala is not behind anyone. The hate-free Kerala model is the remedy to prevent ethnic conflicts. Keraleeyam program will present Kerala to the world. Some cities in the world are famous for such festivals. Let us follow that example," the CM said.

The Chief Minister and other chief guests inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp at the Central Stadium. Minister K Rajan presided over the function. Film stars Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Shobhana and others participated.

Along with the ministers and people's representatives, UAE Ambassador Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, South Korean Ambassador Chang Jae-bok, Cuban Embassy's Malena Rojas Medina, Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener, industrialists MA Yusuff Ali, Ravi Pillai and health expert Dr MV Pillai participated in the function.

The Keraleeyam is being held in 42 venues from Kowdiar to East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram. Over the course of the event, 25 seminars will take place at five different locations focusing on shaping the future of Kerala with discussions on progress and future goals in agro-industrial sectors. Over 200 national and international speakers will participate.

Cultural performances will be staged every day from 6 p.m. onwards. More than 300 programs will be held in 30 venues. 4,100 artists will participate. Exhibitions, trade fairs, food fairs and flower shows will be held from 10 am to 10 pm. 425 entrepreneurs will participate in the trade fair held across eight venues. A food festival showcasing Kerala's unique flavours will be held at eleven venues from Manaveeyam Road to East Fort. Additionally, there will be a film festival and a business-to-business (B2B) meeting.