Reconsider Concert Denial at Manaveeyam Veedhi: Minister To TVM Corporation

Kollam: Keralam Cultural Affairs Minister PC Vishnunadh on Saturday urged the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to reconsider its decision to deny permission for a music concert featuring singer Pushpavathy at Manaveeyam Veedhi in the state capital.

The concert was slated for Saturday as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Manaveeyam Veedhi, a cultural corridor in the city that regularly hosts artistic and cultural programmes.

Organisers had alleged on Friday that the corporation, now ruled by the BJP, denied permission without citing any valid reason, despite having submitted applications to the police and civic authorities in accordance with prescribed procedures.

They also alleged that the civic body and police had recently imposed restrictions on programmes held at the venue.

Speaking to reporters, Vishnunadh said Pushpavathy was one of the most gifted singers in Malayalam and had also served as the former vice-chairperson of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.

"Manaveeyam Veedhi is a space where creative activities take place. Imposing restrictions on artists and denying them opportunities to perform there is not desirable. The corporation should reconsider its decision," he said.

Earlier in the day, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor VV Rajesh said he had never heard of singer Pushpavathy, whose scheduled music concert at Manaveeyam Veedhi was denied permission by the Corporation.

Rajesh said the state government had entrusted the Corporation with maintaining Manaveeyam Veedhi as it was renovated using funds under the Smart City Mission.

He said there should be official records with the Corporation if a committee had been formed to organise the silver jubilee celebrations of Manaveeyam Veedhi.

"If such a committee exists, there should be someone from the Corporation responsible for maintaining Manaveeyam Veedhi who is part of it. However, the Corporation was unaware of any such body organising an event at the venue," he said.

Meanwhile, Vishnunadh on the recent changes in officials associated with the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), said they were internal administrative arrangements within the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and would not affect the festival's functioning.

The academy had relieved N P Sajeesh, who was holding additional charge of Deputy Director (Festival), and Rejoy K J, who was holding additional charge of Programme Manager (Festival). V P Vimal Kumar, Programme Manager (Programme), was given charge of Programme Manager (Festival).

Both relieved officials had been associated with the IFFK for several years during the previous LDF government.

Vishnunadh said the changes were made to streamline responsibilities and the government would not interfere in the academy's day-to-day affairs as it now had a governing body.

"There has been no disruption to the functioning of the academy. Its employees and governing body are working as a team, and preparations for the IFFK are progressing smoothly," he said.

He also said the final selection of films for the international competition, Malayalam Today and Indian-language categories was published on Friday.

The government would extend all support to the academy and its employees, he added.

IFFK will be held in Thiruvananthapuram from December 11 to 18.

On the Champion Boat League (CBL), the minister said the traditional snake boat competition was witnessing increased public participation this year.

He said the league was drawing large crowds at its venues, unlike previous editions which had faced criticism over poor audience turnout.

The CBL final and the President's Trophy would be held in Kollam with large public participation, he added.