KOZHIKODE: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee inaugurated the 140th anniversary of the Kozhikode Corporation here on Saturday.

Addressing a meeting on the beach here, Mr. Chatterjee said the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment Acts were potential institutional mechanisms to give more meaning and content to the concept of democratic decentralisation and participatory governance.

The three-tier system, if it functioned effectively, would have deep impact on the people. Development could be better dispersed, and the arm of the Government could reach the needy, he said . Kerala has been a pioneer in the decentralisation programme and panchayat- level development planning, and the slogan of planning by the people and for the people, he said.

Mr.Chatterjee lauded the tradition, multiculturalism, and contribution of the Malabar region. Communal harmony and multiculturalism prevalent here is a laudable aspect, he said.

He recalled the role of stalwarts such as K. Kelappan and P. Krishna Pillai and how the State had been in the forefront of the literary movement. He lauded journalistic tradition of Kozhikode and the scenic beauty of the region. Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Mohammedkutty presided.

Mayor M. Bhaskaran welcomed the gathering

Corporation Secretary P. Venugopal presented a memento to Mr. Chatterjee on behalf of Kozhikode citizens. Mr. Chatterjee said the memento would be placed in the museum in Parliament, as a token of the good wishes of the people here.

District Collector A. Jayathilak; district panchayat president K.P. Kunahmmedkutty; P.M.A. Salam, A. Pradeep Kumar, MLAs; P. Sathi Devi and M.P. Veerendrakumar, MPs, offered felicitations. Deputy Mayor P.T. Abdul Lateef proposed the vote of thanks.

The inauguration of the anniversary celebrations of the Corporation turned out to be an occasion for camaraderie, as prominent citizens from all walks of life and political parties participated in the programmes. The tage for the conduct of the event had the logo of Kozhikode Corporation showcased prominently, with a depiction of the heritage landmark of the city — the Mananchira Square — besides illustrations of Kathakali and Thiruvathirakali.

Preceding the formal launch, a grand procession marked by pageantry was taken out from the Arayidathupalam to the beach.

Hundreds of people, including Mr. Bhaskaran, sitting councillors, MLAs, MPs, former mayors and councillors, former MLAs, participated in the procession to mark the anniversary celebrations.

Cine actor Mammootty inaugurated the cultural programme later in the evening. A specially designed light and sound show `Nattarive,' directed by Soorya Krishnamurthy, featuring the songs of K. Raghavan Master of Kozhikode in which more than 300 artistes participated, was a highlight on the occasion.

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