Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the inauguration of AKG Memorial Museum at Peralassery in Kannur on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SK MOHAN
Inaugurating the AKG Memorial Museum at Peralassery here on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that museums serve as centers of resistance against attempts to distort history and undermine democratic values.
The museum was established on a 3.3-acre plot of land acquired by the revenue department near the Anjarakandi river in Paliyath. The land acquisition cost ₹12.06 crore, while ₹6.44 crore was spent on building construction and ₹4.82 crore on holding exhibitions.
The two-story museum offers six galleries that represent AKG’s struggles, role in the freedom movement, parliamentary interventions and mass agitations. Facilities include a mini-theatre equipped with modern technology, life-size sculptures and miniatures, visual recreations of key events, interviews with prominent figures, a documentation system, administrative offices and basic facilities including one that ensures accessibility for people with disabilities.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the museum, the chief minister noted that institutions preserving history stand as a bulwark against efforts to stifle debate and steer the nation towards authoritarianism. In an age dominated by information technology, knowledge spreads quickly—but untruths spread even faster. He expressed concern that even individuals in positions of responsibility are conducting disinformation campaigns.
“In this context, museums take on greater importance as spaces that promote truth and fight against false narratives,” he said. He emphasized that the struggles led by leaders like AK Gopalan shaped the current social and political landscape of the country and warned against continued attempts to undermine the movement against feudal landlordism and imperialism. Pointing to the passing of bills without discussion, the suspension of dissenting members and the attacking of critics, he warned that parliamentary democracy itself was under threat.
Describing the life of AKG as a symbol of an era, the Chief Minister affirmed that the government continues to follow his vision of ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society. The establishment of a memorial in his birthplace, he added, is part of the effort to preserve history for future generations.
He also inaugurated the Keezhathur Bridge on that day.
Published – 17 Feb 2026 21:13 IST