II.  Fiction and Facts

Here are a few excerpts from the visitor’s register in Vellanad Grama Panchayat.

1. 
   Thank you for showing me the extraordinary work you are doing. It is a model not only for India, but for all the world.
   Kenneth Keniston
   Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Human Development in the Programme in Science, Technology and Society at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Director of The MIT India Program.
   6 June 2003
    
2. 
   This is perhaps the first and only Panchayat in the country to move towards a modern managerial system exclusively using computers for its major functions. The leadership given by the Panchayat and the interest evinced in the new technology by the members is impressive. The work done here by IKM is commendable. My best wishes to the President and members. I do hope that Vellanad will emerge as a national role model in the meaningful deployment of IT for people’s empowerment.
   Aruna Sundararajan, IAS
   IT Secretary Kerala State
   23/04/2003
    
3. 
   Glad to see that Vellanad Panchayat has become a national show piece. Evidently a lot of work has gone into it. It should continue as there is more to be achieved. Congrats.
   P. Kishore
   Chief Reporter, Malayala Manorama and recipient of the State Award for Development Journalism and CPU Harry Britain Fellowship.
   05/06/20
    
4. 
   
   S. Ramachandran Pillai
   Assistant Professor, Institute of Management In Government
   Thiruvananthapuram 3
   03/02/2003
    

5. 
   
   M.A. Oommen
   Noted Economist and Malcolm S. Adiseshiah Professor of Economics and Decentralised planning at the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi