Aid for pulikkali troupes will be hiked to Rs 1 lakh: Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state administration has decided to rise the financial assistance allocated to pulikkali troupes to Rs 1 lakh from this year.

Key points

• Pulikkali is a world-class art form that requires days of training and immense dedication.
• Condemning the cyber attacks directed at the theatre group, the minister remarked a democratic society cannot tolerate moral policing aimed at suppressing creative works.
• On the body shaming controversy, he remarked that there was no need to body-shame or insult any art form or its artists.
• Vishnunadh strongly backed the artists of the controversial play 'Misa'.

"Pulikkali is a world-class art form that requires days of training and immense dedication. The Culture and Tourism departments will take necessary steps to preserve the traditional art form and backing its artists, " he stated.

On the body shaming controversy, he remarked that there was no need to body-shame or insult any art form or its artists. "We need to respect the performers and their dedication, " he remarked. Vishnunadh condemns cyber attack on 'Misa' play.

Vishnunadh strongly backed the artists of the controversial play 'Misa'. He stated that the administration is firm on protecting artistic freedom of expression. Dismissing allegations of obscenity, the minister clarified that the performance strictly aligned with the artistic demands of the play's historical theme.

Taken together, the developments around aid for pulikkali troupes will be hiked to Rs 1 lakh: Tourism point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.