The third anniversary of Panchami, the self-help group initiated by Kerala Pulayar Mahasabha (KPMS), was celebrated here in grand style. The function was inaugurated by Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar.
In his inaugural address, the minister said that Kerala is far ahead of other states in starting new cooperative societies and self-help groups. But participation of Dalit women are comparatively limited in these groups. Initiatives like Panchami will help to empower Dalit women in the state, he felt.
The minister added that the new initiatives rof the marginalised groups, especially self-help groups, should be according to an agenda. Job-oriented courses should be started by these groups. He said that the government has done quite a lot for Dalits, fishermen and and other weaker sections. He said that under a project backed by the Central Government, SC/ST students of Standard 9 and 10 will be provided Rs 1500 as scholarship.
KPMS leader Punnala Sreekumar delivered the keynote address while Panchami chairman P K Rajan presided over the function.
P T Chacko MP, C Divakaran MLA, BJP leader M T Ramesh and KPMS leader C C Babu addressed the gathering.
Rally organised
Earlier in the evening, hundreds of KPMS members including women took part in a colourful cultural procession which was accompanied by floats.
The procession started from near Vellayambalam Ayyankali statue and culminated at Putherikandom ground, where the mammoth meeting was held.
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