Thrissur: The family of the late Kalabhavan Mani has voiced their protest against the Kerala government, accusing it of neglecting the renowned artist and a pro-left. RLV Ramakrishnan, Mani’s brother, expressed deep disappointment, stating that despite the government’s allocation of Rs 3 crore across three budgets for Kalabhavan Mani’s memorial, it remains a mere announcement without materialization.
Ramakrishnan expressed disappointment in the left government’s lack of action, emphasizing that the same administration was in power when Kalabhavan Mani passed away. He stressed that such treatment was unexpected from a government with left-leaning principles. Ramakrishnan declared that their family refuses to tolerate any further negative portrayal as a “constantly protesting family.” Ramakrishnan announced plans for a protest to demand the realization of the memorial, stating his willingness to resort to open strikes if necessary.
Initially allocated Rs 50 lakh in the 2017 budget, the fund for Kalabhavan Mani’s memorial was later increased to Rs 3 crore during Minister Saji Cherian’s tenure in the Ministry of Culture. However, during a visit to Chalakudy, the minister proposed a shift in focus from a memorial to a facility beneficial for studying folklore and nurturing future artists. Despite assurances from the Folklore Academy to lay the foundation stone, Ramakrishnan revealed that the promises have amounted to nothing more than mere lip service.
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