Mohanlal to Lead KATHIR Project: Superstar's Push for Student Farming
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal joins the KATHIR project to inspire students in Kerala to embrace farming and reconnect with nature.
In a major move to bridge the gap between the youth and the earth, Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the KATHIR agriculture project. This initiative, launched by the Keralam Agriculture Department, seeks to ignite a passion for farming among students and foster a deep-rooted awareness of agricultural practices from a young age.
A Collaborative Effort for the Future
The KATHIR project is a joint venture between the state's Agriculture Department and the General Education Department. The goal is to transform how students perceive farming, moving it from a traditional chore to an engaging and rewarding activity.
The rollout is happening in strategic phases:
- Phase One: The project will begin by establishing KATHIR agricultural clubs in 500 schools across the state.
- Expansion: The Agriculture Department intends to scale this initiative to every single school in Kerala starting from the next academic year.
Mohanlal's Call to "Reconnect with the Soil"
Sharing his personal connection to the land, Mohanlal revealed that he is an avid gardener who cultivates vegetables at his own home. He described the KATHIR initiative as both vital and encouraging, urging the younger generation to step away from the allure of virtual screens and experience the tangible joy of planting.
“Farming should become the passion of children. Change must begin with them. Let every child start by planting at least one seed today,” the superstar remarked.
Adding a practical incentive to the project, Mohanlal welcomed the government's decision to award weightage marks to students who actively participate in farming activities, viewing it as a way to formally recognize the value of agricultural labor.
Institutional Support and Implementation
The superstar isn't just lending his face to the campaign; he has pledged the full support of the Vismaya Shanti Foundation, an organization established in memory of his parents, to ensure the project's success.
Agriculture Minister Adv. T. Siddique emphasized that having a personality of Mohanlal's stature as the brand ambassador provides the KATHIR project with a significant leap forward in terms of reach and impact.
Ensuring Smooth Execution
To make sure the project doesn't remain just on paper, the state has already begun the groundwork:
- Nodal Officers: Specific officers will be appointed to oversee and ensure the seamless implementation of the agricultural clubs.
- Training: A comprehensive two-day training program for the officials responsible for the project's execution has already been conducted in Thiruvananthapuram.