Tag: Rajendra Arlekar

Travel

PM Modi Flags Off Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, Linking Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on Saturday, marking another milestone in India’s expanding network of high-speed passenger trains. The Prime Minister inaugurated the service virtually from Varanasi, along with three other Vande Bharat trains — the Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, and Lucknow–Saharanpur routes.

The Ernakulam Junction–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 06652) departed from Ernakulam at 8.41 a.m. amid a festive atmosphere, complete with flowers, balloons, and the traditional sounds of Chendamelam. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Union Ministers of State Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, MP Hibi Eden, MLA T.J. Vinod, and Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar were among the dignitaries who participated in the event virtually.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi said that the Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat trains are shaping the future of Indian Railways, laying the foundation for a new era of speed, comfort, and innovation.

The new inter-State Vande Bharat Express will significantly enhance regional connectivity by linking key cities across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka — including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Krishnarajapuram, and KSR Bengaluru. The train will cover the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, saving over two hours compared to existing services.

Regular operations will begin on November 11, running six days a week, except Wednesday. The KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam train (No. 26651) will depart Bengaluru at 5:10 a.m. and reach Ernakulam at 1:50 p.m. The return train (No. 26652) will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 p.m. and arrive in Bengaluru at 11 p.m.

Speaking onboard the inaugural service, Minister Suresh Gopi described the Vande Bharat as “a revolution on rails,” adding that further expansion depends on Kerala’s readiness to provide land for track doubling and straighten sharp curves. “If there are more tracks, more trains will come,” he said, highlighting the state’s crucial role in enabling faster train operations.

Children selected through a drawing competition and officials from various departments also joined the inaugural run, marking the event with celebrations and enthusiasm.

The Ernakulam–Bengaluru service becomes the third Vande Bharat for Kerala and the first inter-State connection linking the state with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. With its addition, the Southern Railway now operates 12 Vande Bharat trains, and the nationwide total has surpassed 160 operational services, reflecting India’s growing commitment to modern, high-speed rail travel.

National

Tribal Minister Invites President Droupadi Murmu to Silver Jubilee Canacona Lokotsav 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a noteworthy cultural development, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Tribal Minister of Goa, recently called on the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Accompanied by Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, the minister extended a formal invitation to the President to attend the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Canacona Lokotsav.

The 25th Canacona Lokotsav is scheduled to take place from 19th to 21st December 2025 at Adarsh Gram, Amona, in the Canacona taluka of South Goa. Over the years, Canacona Lokotsav has grown into one of Goa’s most prominent platforms to celebrate and showcase traditional Goan arts, crafts, music, folklore, and tribal culture.

The Silver Jubilee edition promises to be a grand celebration, bringing together performers, artisans, and cultural groups from across the state and beyond. The invitation to the President is a symbolic and significant gesture aimed at highlighting the cultural richness of Goa on a national platform. It also reflects the growing recognition of local festivals in preserving and promoting indigenous traditions and community spirit.

If accepted, President Droupadi Murmu’s presence at the Lokotsav would mark a historic moment, as she herself represents a strong connect to tribal heritage and grassroots governance in India. The event is expected to attract dignitaries, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and citizens in large numbers.

The Tribal Ministry’s outreach reflects Goa’s continued efforts to promote inclusive and culturally rooted tourism while strengthening local identity through events like the Canacona Lokotsav.

Social

Raj Bhavan Launches ‘Annadhan’ Scheme: A Noble Step Towards Social Welfare

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Panaji, June 29, 2025 – In a momentous step towards social responsibility and compassion-driven governance, the ‘Raj Bhavan Annadhan’ scheme was officially launched at the Old Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Goa. The scheme was unveiled by Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, in the presence of Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The event was presided over by Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa.

Under the scheme, Governor Pillai will donate the full amount received as royalties from his published books to fund the initiative, which supports food and health security for Goa’s underprivileged populations. As a part of the launch, a cheque of ₹1.20 lakh was handed over to the Goa-based charity, Street Providence, which works to feed and house the homeless.

Governor Arlekar praised the literary work and philanthropic spirit of Shri Pillai, calling his writings a “gateway to empathy and knowledge,” and lauded his rare commitment to public service. “Goa is fortunate to have a Governor like Shri Pillai, who has set a unique example for other Raj Bhavans across India,” he said.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant hailed the ‘Annadhan’ initiative as a one-of-a-kind welfare model. “This scheme reflects the Governor’s deep connection with the people. His efforts to visit the remotest corners of the State and understand the daily struggles of citizens are truly commendable,” he remarked.

Dr. Sawant also highlighted healthcare concerns in the state, particularly the increasing prevalence of kidney-related ailments. He urged patients to maintain proper dietary habits and made a strong case for the use of eSanjeevani, India’s National Telemedicine Service, which he described as a revolutionary tool for providing accessible and equitable healthcare across the country.

Governor Pillai spoke candidly about his inspiration and the methods behind implementing such humanitarian schemes through Raj Bhavan. “Behind every successful initiative is the unwavering support of the administration,” he said, extending thanks to the Chief Minister for his continual cooperation.

In a poignant reflection on India’s history, Governor Pillai also shed light on the origins of the slogan “Jai Hind,” attributing its roots to a Muslim soldier, later adopted by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as a rallying cry for Indian independence.

The event also saw financial aid being disbursed from the Governor’s Discretionary Fund to around 40 patients battling cancer and undergoing dialysis, exemplifying the scheme’s immediate impact.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome by Shri Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai, Secretary to the Governor, and an insightful introduction to the scheme by Shri Mihir Vardhan, Special Officer. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Bosco George, concluding the event on a note of gratitude and unity.

The ‘Raj Bhavan Annadhan’ scheme stands as a beacon of compassionate governance, where literature meets action, and leadership becomes a vehicle for public service.

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Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar Meets PM Modi: Details Inside

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Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Arlekar met with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today in New Delhi.

Prime Minister’s Office, which posted on X: “Governor of Kerala, Shri @rajendraarlekar, met PM @narendramodi.”

Here are some glimpses of the meet :