This report was published in Metro Vaartha on 07/12/2021
While the debate on New Kerala focused on experts in their respective fields, it is the youth who matter much as they are the ones who will have to bear the brunt of misdeeds more in the State’s development march over the years.
Since their voices are to be heard, since they are the ones to take this State forward to higher and better and sustainable levels, Metro Vaartha speaks to a set of young boys and girls who are very much concerned about the way their State is going. Their concerns need to be addressed as they have a vision of their homeland and earnestly want to be part of readying a fresh roadmap to fresh development.
Kerala has done an incredible job in sustaining its health status at levels comparable with much developed nations. It has long attained health-related SDG targets, set for 2030, but is now grappling with second generation problems, similar to those of developed regions, says Parvathy Sunaina, an Associate Fellow with the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies in Kochi, having research interests in Kerala’s development issues, marginalisation and health. Instead of resting on its laurels, Kerala must focus on sections of the population such as the elderly, those with disabilities and other recognised outliers of the Kerala model like the tribal community. Often in discussions on vulnerable sections, comparison is only made with other States lagging behind, not more developed countries. The State must consider emulating models from developed countries with adaptations to suit its social and cultural context.