Kerala

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The Vaikom Satyagraha was a significant social movement in Kerala, aimed at ending the practice of untouchability and allowing all castes access to the roads surrounding the Vaikom Temple. Here are the critical events of the Vaikom Satyagraha in chronological order:

1. 1924, March 30: Initiation of the Vaikom Satyagraha. The Satyagrahis made their first attempt to enter the forbidden roads around the Vaikom Temple. They were arrested, and this marked the beginning of the struggle.
2. 1924, April: Increased Participation and Arrests. More people joined the movement, including volunteers from different parts of Kerala and other states. Several arrests were made.
3. 1924, April 14: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy's Participation. The prominent social reformer from Tamil Nadu, Periyar, joined the movement, giving it broader appeal and support.
4. 1924, May: Gandhiji's Intervention. Mahatma Gandhi visited Vaikom to study the situation and suggested certain modifications to make the agitation exclusively anti-untouchability, rather than anti-Hindu.
5. 1924, October-November: Hunger Strikes. Various leaders and volunteers went on hunger strikes, intensifying the protest.
6. 1925, November: Sree Narayana Guru's Support. Sree Narayana Guru, a revered social reformer in Kerala, openly supported the movement, further legitimizing it.
7. 1925: Series of Negotiations. Several rounds of talks were held between the leaders of the Satyagraha, the government, and community leaders to find a solution.
8. 1925, November 1: Partial Opening of Roads. The roads were opened to lower-caste Hindus, except for the road to the front of the temple. It was a significant victory, albeit a partial one.
9. 1936, November 12: Proclamation of Temple Entry. The Temple Entry Proclamation was issued by the Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, allowing all Hindus to enter the temples in Travancore, which can be seen as a culmination of the social changes initiated by movements like the Vaikom Satyagraha.

The Vaikom Satyagraha played a vital role in challenging and beginning to dismantle the entrenched caste-based discrimination in Kerala. It mobilized various social groups, brought national attention to the issue of untouchability, and contributed to the overall social reform movement in the region. It remains an important chapter in India's struggle for social justice and equality.

The book Below the Radar by C. Balagopal is a personal account of his experience as an IAS officer who turned entrepreneur. The book is divided into three parts.

The first part, titled "The Making of an Entrepreneur", chronicles Balagopal's early life and career as an IAS officer. He describes his experiences in various government departments, including the revenue, excise, and industries departments. He also talks about his decision to resign from the IAS and start his own business.

The second part, titled "The Challenges of Entrepreneurship", discusses the challenges Balagopal faced in setting up and running his business. He talks about the lack of infrastructure and support for entrepreneurs in Kerala, as well as the bureaucratic hurdles he had to overcome. He also shares his insights on the factors that contribute to the success or failure of entrepreneurs.

The third part, titled "The Future of Entrepreneurship in Kerala", looks at the potential for entrepreneurship in Kerala. Balagopal argues that Kerala has the potential to be a major hub for entrepreneurship, but that it needs to address the challenges that entrepreneurs face. He also suggests some policy measures that the government can take to promote entrepreneurship in the state.

The book Below the Radar is a valuable contribution to the literature on entrepreneurship in Kerala. It is a well-written and insightful account of the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face in the state. The book is recommended for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, business, or development in Kerala.

Here are some of the specific initiatives taken by the communist governments in Kerala to promote knowledge and innovation:

• Investment in education: The communist governments have made education a top priority, and have ensured that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their background. They have also introduced various reforms to improve the quality of education, such as the introduction of the 10+2+3 education system and the Kerala State Literacy Mission.
• Investment in healthcare: The communist governments have also invested heavily in healthcare, and have made Kerala one of the healthiest states in India. They have introduced various programs to improve access to healthcare, such as the Arogyasree scheme, which provides free healthcare to the poor.
• Promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation: The communist governments have also promoted entrepreneurship and innovation, and have created a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. They have done this by providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs, setting up incubators and accelerators, and simplifying the regulatory environment.

As a result of these initiatives, Kerala has made significant progress in becoming a knowledge society. The state has one of the highest literacy rates in India, and its healthcare system is among the best in the country. Kerala is also home to a vibrant startup ecosystem, and is increasingly being recognized as a hub for innovation.

Daniels talks on how does the society generates and distributes health using the example of the State of Kerala, India a country that has comparable health outcomes to western countries. He talks on the legacy of maternal property transition as a social determinant of health.

"World Policy Journal" editor emeritus Karl Meyer explains the economic, cultural, and political forces that have made the diverse Indian state of Kerala an oasis of civility.