Expatriates plan model Kerala village

Kochi, May 10 : Non-resident Keralites and local investors, under the banner of the World Malayalee Council (WMC), will set up a model village at the emerging hill station of Vagamon at an initial investment of Rs 25 crore.

About 100 acres of land bordering Kottayam and Idukki districts have been purchased for investment in the thrust areas of education, health, tourism and information technology, WMC leaders told a press conference here yesterday.

A centre for geriatrics, historical museum, health tourism, adventure sports and training centres will form part of this Kerala Model Village, WME's George Kulangara said.

Work would start by August as the Council was organising a global convention here with participation of 2000 delegates from 40 countries from August one, he said.

Cine star Mohanlal would inaugurate a youth festival, to be held as part of the global meet, on August 1 and 2. Four seminars, led by experts would be organised on the topics of education, health, tourism and IT, Organising Convenor Sabu Karikkassery said.

The WMC was formed in 1995 in New Jersey. World-renowned scientist George Sudarshan, Industrialist K P P Nambiar and Former Election Commissioner T N Seshan were among those who led the council. Such global meets were held in America, Germany and Bahrain earlier.

UNI