Kerala - Kozhikode   

`India has to sustain pace of development'

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: Former Union Minister and journalist Arun Shourie said here on Tuesday that the pace of development in the country had to be sustained for the next 20 years if India was to move along with the fast changing world.

Mr. Shourie was delivering the eighth D.C. Kizhakkemuri Memorial lecture on `How to face the future' on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary celebrations of DC Books at the Town Hall. A galaxy of writers, academics and people from all walks of life were present.

There is a race on and the need is to reduce the role of State in society, and bring about a change in the style of functioning. A different index of growth had to be visualised and Kerala could take the lead in redefining growth.

He emphasised the need to update skills and relate jobs to merit and performance.

The national vision ought to also focus on renewable fuels. There ought to be a national mission on water and a revision in the standards of education.

Citing the amazing advancement of China as a superpower, Mr. Shourie explained how that country kept pace with progress, including its defence sector.

He called upon the media to play a positive role by focussing on issues that affected vital aspects of life, and not trivialities.

According to him an alternative political system was what the country needed to face the future.

Writers M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Sugathakumari, O.N.V. Kurup and M. Mukundan were present.

Former Minister M. K. Muneer presided. D.C. Ravi of D. C. Books welcomed the gathering.

Speakers on the occasion lauded the role played by DC Books in the literary arena in the State as a pioneer in the publishing sector and the vision of its founder, D.C. Kizhakkemuri.

"Adithetunna Pinnokka Preenanam" a translation of Arun Shourie' book; the 1001-song compilation `Manikyaveena' of O.N.V.Kurup; `Sugathakumariude Kavithakal' by Sugathakumari; and `M.S. Jeevithavum Sangeethavum' by TJS George were released by Mr. Vasudevan Nair by presenting the copies to Mr. Mukundan.

Other publications of DC Books such as `Madhuram ninte jeevitham' by K.P. Appan, `MT Malayalathinte Sukrutham'; `Udanja Buddhan' by P. Surendran; and `Ekanthanagarangal' by P.K. Rajasekharan were also released on the occasion by Mr. Kurup by handing over copies to Ms. Sugathakumari.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

IRDP mela drawing large crowds
Six NDF activists found guilty in murder case
`India has to sustain pace of development'
`Offices will be blown up'
MCH yet to give report on pollution
Applications invited for Olympiad
Kinfra plans meet on food processing

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu