Did Kerala Minister Address the Empty Seats at Global Ayyappa Sangamam?
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Synopsis
Kerala's Devaswom Minister responds to criticism over empty seats at the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, asserting significant attendance and successful organization of the event. Discover the truth behind the visuals and the minister's defense against misleading narratives.
Key Takeaways
- 4,126 participants attended the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.
- A significant number of attendees came from outside Kerala, including 2,125 from various states.
- Visuals of empty chairs were due to participants relocating for panel discussions.
- The event was praised for its smooth organization and success.
- The minister defended against misleading media narratives.
Kottayam, Sep 21 (NationPress) Amidst the circulation of visuals depicting vacant chairs at the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, Kerala Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan provided clarification on Sunday, terming the criticism as misleading and politically driven.
The minister highlighted that the one-day spiritual and cultural conference in Kottayam attracted a total of 4,126 devotees and dignitaries. Notably, 2,125 participants hailed from outside Kerala, representing states like Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Additionally, 182 attendees traveled from abroad, including 39 from Sri Lanka. Furthermore, 1,119 Ayyappa devotees utilized transportation organized by various devaswom boards within the state.
Regarding the images of empty chairs, Vasavan explained that the main venue could accommodate 4,000 attendees, which was filled during the inaugural session. “Numerous attendees who arrived for the opening were unable to find seats and had to stand. Post-inaugural ceremony, many attendees transitioned to other halls for parallel discussions. The vacant seats seen in the visuals were merely due to invitees relocating to their respective venues,” he stated.
The minister condemned the distribution of photographs showcasing empty chairs, asserting that they were manipulated to create a false narrative about the event.
“Only those specifically invited to the main session remained there. The visuals being circulated are from a brief interval after the inaugural session, and they are misused to propagate misleading stories,” he added.
Vasavan further emphasized that the conference was devoid of complaints. He pointed out that even a senior Congress leader from Karnataka, who attended the event, had not raised any issues regarding the arrangements.
“The event was smooth, well-organized, and a grand success. Participation surpassed expectations, and no attendee left dissatisfied,” he remarked.
In alignment with CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan’s criticism of the media, the minister accused certain outlets of intentionally trying to damage the reputation of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. In truth, he asserted, the conference successfully united devotees from across India and beyond in a remarkable spiritual gathering.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of presenting facts objectively. The recent event in Kottayam highlights both the challenges of public perception and the need for clarity in reporting. The defense provided by Minister Vasavan emphasizes the significance of accurate representation in media narratives, especially concerning large-scale gatherings that unite diverse communities.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the attendance at the Global Ayyappa Sangamam?
The event saw a total of 4,126 participants, including 2,125 from outside Kerala and 182 from abroad.
Why were there empty seats during the event?
The main venue had a capacity of 4,000, which was filled during the inaugural session. Many attendees moved to other halls for parallel discussions after the opening.
What did the minister say about the media coverage?
Minister Vasavan criticized certain media outlets for using images of empty chairs to present a misleading narrative about the event.
Were there any complaints about the event?
The minister stated that the conference was entirely complaint-free, with no concerns raised even by a senior Congress leader in attendance.
What was the goal of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam?
The conference aimed to bring together devotees from across India and abroad in a unique spiritual congregation.
