Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan warns of threats to sovereignty and social harmony in Independence Day address

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the nation must guard itself from both external imperialist forces that loom over the sovereignty of the country, and internal threats that aim to undermine social unity.

Leading Kerala’s 79th Independence Day celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday (August 15, 2025), Mr. Vijayan said the national achievements in science and technology should not overshadow the lived realities of marginalised sections.

Mr. Vijayan, who hoisted the national flag and received salute at the ceremonial parade at the Central Stadium, reflected on the nation’s foundational dreams to build an India without poverty, hunger, child labour, illiteracy, caste discrimination, religious hatred and unemployment. Although the vision remains unfulfilled, it represents the path the nation must continue to tread, he said.

Warning against communal forces

At the heart of his address was a stark warning against communal forces that “aim to sow divisions” in the society. “Communal forces are trying to divide the country along religious and caste lines. Such attempts, which challenges the idea of India itself, have grown stronger. We must resist and defeat all such divisions, and stand united and above all differences,” the Chief Minister said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan receives the guard of honour during India’s 79th Independence Day parade at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on August 15, 2025
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

He added that the constitutional values of freedom, democracy, secularism and socialism that define the Indian Republic are not mere ideals, but imperatives that must be embodied and implemented in practice.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, Mr. Vijayan exhorted the country to recognise its deeper moral obligations, rather than becoming blinded by superficial grandeurs.

“While cities across the country celebrated Independence Day with dazzling festivities, he (Gandhi) stayed away from them all. Instead, he walked into the dark alleys and slums, choosing to be one among the marginalised. His message was one of humanity and patriotism, and every person who understands that should reflect on the duties it implies. This is the mindset we need to bring into our celebrations,” he said.

Delving into Kerala’s surge towards a scientific, knowledge-driven society, the Chief Minister said the State advances while simultaneously ensuring its development and the people’s welfare. On the one hand, we are focused on eliminating extreme poverty, and on the other, we are constructing a future-ready Kerala, he said.

The Chief Minister gave away the President’s Police Medals, and other medals for meritorious service on the occasion.