"Assessing the Kerala Model and Charting the Future"
August 27-29, 1994 | Thiruvananthapuram
A historic convergence of over 1,500 scholars and activists, designed to bridge the gap between academic research and social activism.
1,500+ Participants
550+ Papers Presented
993 Pages of Abstracts
3 Days of Debate
Visionary Leadership: E.M.S. Namboodiripad
The Congress was the result of an inspiring initiative by E.M.S. Namboodiripad and his comrades. He envisioned the event as a bridge to connect the academic world with political activism.
- Personal Dedication: E.M.S. personally signed thousands of invitation letters and sat through sessions as a listener for all three days.
- Institutional Hub: His foresight transformed the A.K.G. Centre for Research and Studies into a global hub for intellectual debate.
Key Deliberations
Sustainability of the Model
While acknowledging achievements in literacy and health, participants debated the model's sustainability in the absence of economic growth. Concerns were raised about excluded groups like tribal peoples and female laborers.
The Neoliberal Threat
Experts warned that World Bank structural adjustment policies could dismantle achievements like the public food distribution system. Economists noted Kerala might be the state most affected by these new central policies.
Tasks for the Left
Discussions focused on reinvigorating mass organizations, regaining cultural influence , and engaging with religious communities without compromising secularism.
Women's Representation
A critical intervention by women participants challenged the segregation of gender topics. They demanded the integration of gender issues across all panels and a broader definition of politics.
Congress Structure
Day 1: Symposiums
New World Order, Technology, Historiography, & Culture.
Day 2: Panels
67 concurrent panels on diverse developmental topics.
Day 3: Conclusion
Summary reports and closing speeches.
Related Literature
- മുപ്പത്തെട്ടു വർഷത്തിനുശേഷം കേരളം എങ്ങോട്ട്? - ഒന്നാം പഠനകോൺഗ്രസിനെപ്പറ്റി ഇ.എം.എസ്. നമ്പൂതിരിപ്പാട് 1994-ൽ എഴുതിയ ലേഖനം - വായിക്കാം
- ഉള്ളുതുറന്ന സംവാദത്തിന്റെ വേദി - 1994-ൽ തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തു നടന്ന ഒന്നാം കേരള പഠന കോൺഗ്രസിന്റെ ഉദ്ഘാടനസമ്മേളനത്തിൽ ഇഎംഎസ് നടത്തിയ അദ്ധ്യക്ഷപ്രസംഗത്തിന്റെ ചുരുക്കം - വായിക്കാം
- പഠനകോൺഗ്രസും ഇഎംഎസും - ഡോ. ടി. എം. തോമസ് ഐസക്കിന്റെ കുറിപ്പ്
