Kerala for All conclave: Kerala is a fort against religious polarisation, says N. Ram

“Kerala is a fort that resists divisive influences particularly those trying to polarise society on the basis of religion,” N. Ram, Director, The Hindu Group, has said.

He was delivering the keynote address during the inauguration of ‘Kerala For All – Tourism Without Barriers’, a two-day conclave organised jointly by Kerala Tourism and The Hindu Group, on Sunday (February 1, 2026).

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“The idea behind ‘Kerala for All’ reflects a model that combines strong social indicators with an ethos of openness, dignity and welfare governance. There are some political forces in this country, I don’t want to name them, that try to disturb this. But Kerala in a sense is a fort that resists such divisive influences, particularly those trying to polarise society on the basis of religion, sometimes based on caste but mainly religion,” Mr. Ram said.

‘Most socially advanced State’

Kerala is one of India’s most socially advanced States. “In fact, I would say it is India’s most socially advanced State. Not because of high per capita income, although that is also growing, but because of its long-standing commitment to human development, social justice and inclusive public policy,” said Mr. Ram.

A defining feature of Kerala is its exceptionally high literacy rate, among the highest in India. Its public health system is another pillar of its social achievement. It has a dense network of primary health centres, government hospitals, and community health services. This is not a fortuitous development but the result of a long-term process, said Mr. Ram.

And, over the long term, social development in Kerala has been shaped by land reform, social reform movements, and progressive politics. The idea of ‘Kerala for All’ extends beyond welfare into a broader culture of inclusion. And while we saw the distressing phenomenon of migrant workers during the pandemic walk long distances in various parts of India, Kerala stood as a model of how to handle such crisis situations, he said.

“The State has welcomed migrant workers from other States who contribute significantly for construction, services and industry. And the LDF (Left Development Front) government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan set an example to all of India by coining the terminology and calling these migrant workers guest workers. Their health needs are taken care of and they are treated as very much as part residents of Kerala,” Mr. Ram said.

Inclusive and accessible tourism should be treated as a right of all tourists and not something that is given as charity or as a special privilege, he said. “Kerala Tourism deserves commendation for its tremendous effort to make Kerala a place for all with inclusive and accessible tourism. The Hindu is privileged that that we are in this partnership with the government of Kerala and with Kerala tourism in particular. This is a good start and I hope there’ll be consolidation of these efforts,” said Mr. Ram.