Kerala: A Beacon of Progress and Secularism

Amartya Sen highlights Kerala’s human development achievements and urges a solid commitment to strengthening secularism in India. He reflects on Kerala's historical prominence in education, women's rights, and intellectual openness, calling for its role in promoting secularism and innovative progress in India.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen lauded Kerala's major strides in human development and emphasized the need to bolster secularism in India. Speaking virtually at the 'Vision 2031' conference organized by the Kerala government, Sen urged the state to become a beacon for secular advancements nationwide.

Sen reflected on Kerala's history of intellectual progress, gender equality, and openness dating back centuries. He drew parallels between Kerala's economic and social accomplishments and its historical valuation of women's independence, noting that such achievements contributed to its prominent global standing.

Addressing his concerns about secularism, Sen encouraged Kerala to make definitive contributions to India's socio-political landscape. With historical openness and innovation, he believed Kerala could reinforce secular values that appear to be weakening across the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)