Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stopped his convoy on Sunday after noticing a young accident victim on Container Road in Ernakulam and immediately offered assistance.
Satheesan was travelling through the area when he spotted the injured man. He directed his vehicle to stop and extended help before continuing with his scheduled programmes. The Chief Minister’s intervention attracted attention, with visuals and reports of the incident circulating widely.
The condition of the young man and further details about the accident were not immediately available. However, the incident highlighted the importance of providing timely assistance to road accident victims, particularly during the crucial period immediately after a crash.
After assisting the accident victim, Satheesan attended and inaugurated the 89th Gothuruthu Boat Race. The traditional event was organised by the Gothuruthu Sports and Arts Club in connection with the feast of the Holy Cross at Kadalvathuruth. Speaking at the programme, the Chief Minister remembered his late friend and journalist Jijo John Puthezhath. Satheesan recalled Jijo’s long association with the boat race and said he had been a prominent presence at the event for nearly 25 years.
According to Satheesan, Jijo eagerly anticipated each edition of the boat race and began looking forward to the next event as soon as the previous one concluded. He also remembered the journalist’s pride in promoting the race and discussing it with others. Sports Minister O.J. Jeneesh described the Gothuruthu Boat Race as an important example of religious harmony in the region. Hibi Eden MP, Paravur Block Panchayat president P.R. Saijan and several other representatives attended the programme.
During the event, Jeneesh congratulated shooter Vidarsha K. Vinod, who became the first Malayali woman to win a silver medal in the women’s 10-metre air rifle team event. The Sports Minister announced that the Kerala government would provide government jobs to Asian Games medal winners. He said the rewards had been declared before the athletes left for the competition, unlike in previous years.
Under the announced incentive programme, gold medallists will receive Rs 50 lakh, silver medallists Rs 30 lakh and bronze medallists Rs 20 lakh. Special rewards will also be presented to the athletes’ coaches. The Sports Department has additionally arranged an advance of Rs 1 lakh each to cover travel expenses for the 29 Malayali athletes participating in the Asian Games.
