Nobel laureate and renowned economist Dr. Amartya Sen stated that Kerala has transformed into one of the highest-income states in the country. Speaking virtually at the 'Vision 2031' international conference, he noted that the astonishing achievements in education, health, and social security are a victory for the state's developmental vision. He added that Kerala has become a model for the nation in poverty alleviation, life expectancy, and per capita income.

He recalled: "I still remember the excitement during the first elections in 1957. Back then, in the coffee houses of College Street, there were intense debates about whether Kerala's Left politics could lead the people forward through an unconventional, 'different path.' Many argued with me that Kerala, being economically backward at the time, would not be able to find the funds for development. Today, as Kerala stands at the forefront of every sector, I am ready to buy a free coffee for all those old skeptics. My expectations regarding Kerala's human resource development were not wrong."

Dr. Sen further observed that secularism faces no major challenges in Kerala, though the situation has worsened in many other parts of India.

He emphasised that while secular values are under attack across much of the country, the democratic consciousness maintained by Kerala offers great hope. India's future, he said, will depend on how it resists organised, imposed narrow-minded politics. He also highlighted that the world had noticed Kerala's high standards regarding women's freedom and rights centuries ago. By welcoming knowledge and cultures from various parts of the globe, Kerala has functioned as a gateway to India. Secularism and pluralism are part of Kerala's very identity, he concluded.

Mani Shankar Aiyar praises Kerala

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar praised the governance of the LDF government and said that he is certain Pinarayi Vijayan will remain the next Chief Minister of Kerala. He made these remarks during the inaugural ceremony of the 'Vision 2031' international conference organised by the State Government.

He noted that Kerala serves as a national model for progress and governance through the three-tier Panchayat Raj system. Furthermore, it is Kerala, under the leadership of the Marxist party, that has effectively implemented the Gandhian vision.

He went on to say: "I regret that Congress workers did not participate despite this being an event of all-India significance. Gandhiji’s dream was an India where even the poorest person feels this is their country and that they have an effective voice in nation-building. Kerala has made the best progress toward this goal. Kerala has been able to implement former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s ideas on Panchayat Raj better than any other state. Today, there are few people left in the country to raise their voice for Panchayat Raj; therefore, I request Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to take up that mission which the Congress has abandoned."

He also suggested that the state should bring about legislative amendments to fully secure Kerala’s top position in the field of Panchayati Raj.

The State Planning Board is organising ‘Vision 2031’ to formulate a roadmap for how the state should look by its 75th anniversary in 2031. Viewing the event through a political lens, the Congress party had requested Amartya Sen, Romila Thapar, and Mani Shankar Aiyar not to participate. Defying this, Mani Shankar Aiyar (the former Panchayati Raj Minister) attended in person, while the other two participated online.