Thrissur’s ‘Meet Your Collector’ reaches 50th episode

“The marigolds (Chendumalli) we planted have bloomed. You should come for the harvest,” said one of the 21 differently abled individuals from the Thalir BUDS Rehabilitation Centre in Velure grama panchayat to Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian. They were guests at a face-to-face programme, ‘Meet Your Collector,’ held by the Collector.

What began as an informal chat with students has grown into a successful interactive platform that connects students and other citizens with governance.

On September 27, the 50th edition of the programme will unfold at the scenic Muniyattukunnu Hill Station in Varandarappilly where Mr. Pandian will interact with schoolchildren from the panchayat.

District Collector Arjun Pandian interacts with students at the ‘Meet Your Collector’ programme at Thrissur Collectorate.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT,

“Children used to drop in to my office randomly, and sometimes we would visit schools and colleges,” recalls Mr. Pandian. “But many, especially from rural areas, never had the chance to see the Collectorate. That’s when we thought of creating a platform where students could interact freely with the administration.”

Launched in August 2024 with students and teachers of Pampady Government School as guests, the programme has since reached 34 schools, 16 colleges, and over 1,500 participants, including differently abled children, anganwadi teachers, Haritha Karma Sena workers, senior citizens and cultural groups. The sessions are held on Wednesdays, without disrupting official work.

Guidance too

The interactions are candid and wide-ranging. “Students raise small but very real issues from their daily lives,” says Mr. Pandian. “We try to solve the issue with the help of the police or the Education department. Many also ask how to prepare for the Civil Services examinations. It’s as much about guidance as it is about governance.”

The impact has been tangible. Suggestions from students have led to distribution of sports equipment, laptops and bicycles for schools and students, conducting of educational tours, and even special arrangements for differently abled children to enjoy the Thrissur Pooram and Pulikali. In one case, concerns raised by students prompted a dedicated mechanism to highlight transport issues directly to the Regional Transport Officer.

Significance of venue

As the programme enters its 50th chapter, the venue itself carries significance. “We chose Muniyattukunnu not only for the milestone but also to highlight its tourism potential,” says Mr. Pandian. “We are working with the Tourism department to develop it as a key destination. ‘Meet Your Collector’ is not just about dialogue, it’s about shaping the district’s future together.”

The Thrissur initiative has already inspired similar programmes in other districts of Kerala, marking a shift towards more transparent, people-friendly governance.