Kozhikode, March 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Kerala’s leading Malayalam daily ‘Mathrubhumi.’ In his online inaugural speech, Narendra Modi said “Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, Mathrubhumi was born to strengthen India’s freedom struggle.” He placed the publication in the glorious tradition of newspapers and periodicals founded all across India to fy the people of our nation against colonial rule. Media played a positive role in promoting government schemes including ‘Swachh Bharat, Yoga fitness and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ thus promoting the development of the country”. In his online keynote address, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Mathrubhumi always upheld the freedom of nation and democracy and socialist values strengthening renaissance movement. on Minister V Muraleedharn said Mathrubhumi always gives importance to nationalism and also fights against the evils of the society. Mathrubhumi Chairman and Managing Editor PV Chandran presided over the function and Minister for Tourism and PWD PA Muhammed Riyaz, Malayala Manorama Managing Editor Jacob Mathew, Mathrubhumi Managing Director MV Sreyams Kumar, MPs MK Raghavan, Elamaram Kareem addressed the gathering at Calicut Trade Centre in Sarovaram. Opposition leader V D Satheeshan also addressed through online and Eminent writer M T Vasudevan Nair unveied the centenary stone in the function. AK/SS GNK