Amid row, Keralam increases financial assistance to Pulikali teams
The Kerala government has increased financial aid for Pulikali folk art teams to ₹1 lakh following a public controversy over derogatory remarks made by a writer. The Tourism Minister emphasized the cultural importance of the art form and condemned body-shaming of the performers.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of cultural preservation, government intervention in arts, and the impact of public discourse on traditional heritage.
Amid a controversy over actor and writer V.K. Sreeraman’s remarks on Thrissur’s traditional Pulikali folk art, which drew sharp criticism from various quarters, the State government has decided to increase the financial assistance provided to Pulikali teams to ₹1 lakh from this year.
Stating that the government was committed to supporting Pulikali and its artists, Tourism and Culture Minister P. C. Vishnunadh said necessary measures would be taken by the Culture and Tourism departments to protect the art form and ensure the welfare of the artists.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the inauguration of a trade fair and exhibition organised as part of the Onam week celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, the Minister termed Pulikali as a world-class art form that requires days of training and dedication.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in