Chief Minister urges unity through art, condemns attack against Christmas celebrations

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the transformative power of art at the inauguration of State School Arts Festival on Wednesday.

“Art is not only about creating joy; it must also inspire courage to fight divisiveness and discrimination. In a time when even Christmas celebrations face attacks, young artists must use art as a weapon to spread peace and happiness against those who propagate hatred. Art must confront harsh realities and transform lives.”

Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, who was also in the stage, refrained from any remarks, stating he does not want to use the venue for political reactions.

Earlier, BJP workers greeted Mr. Gopi with lotus flowers at the venue of the Kerala State School Arts Festival, following earlier protests over the exclusion of the lotus from venue names. The issue was later resolved, with Education Minister V. Sivankutty emphasising that the festival should proceed without controversy.