Kerala Fest Like Events as Sources of Economic Self-Reliance: Shri Tomar
Bhopal, etc. Guru Shankaracharya was born in Kerala but attained knowledge in Madhya Pradesh's Omkareshwar and thereafter performed Deyatan and established four monasteries.
The Madhya Pradesh government has expressed its reverence for Guru Shankaracharya by erecting a 108‑foot tall unified statue at the site of his knowledge attainment in Omkareshwar. This reflects the ancient ties between Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. A little diversity cannot break this strong tapestry. Now events like Kerala Fest provide both amusement and economic self‑reliance. In this way both states are working towards self‑sufficiency. Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Chairman Narendra Singh Tomar said this at the opening of the third Kerala Fest 2026 in the VITTN Market as the chief guest. The opening of Kerala Fest 2026 was held in the presence of Central Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister and Tourism State Minister Suresh Gopi. Chief guest Vidhan Sabha Chairman Shri Tomar said that politically there is a special relationship between Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. When there were so many BJP members in the assembly that they could together send one person to the Rajya Sabha, the senior Kerala politician Shri O. Rajagopal was sent to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh. This is also a great proof of unity in diversity. Praising events like Kerala Fest, he said that such events foster the sharing of arts and cultures. This is an important dimension for India's unity. Initially, United Malayalam Association Bhopal Chairman O.D. Joseph gave a welcome address. He said that by bringing traditional arts, dance, music, cuisine, handicrafts and various cultural expressions onto one platform, this festival strengthens the idea that India's cultural diversity is its greatest strength and mutual unity is its greatest identity.
