Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 15 -- Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Saturday hoisted the national flag at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day and called for building a "New Kerala" based on compassion, development, constitutional values, secularism and equality.

Emphasising his vision for the state, Satheesan said, "'New Keralam' is not merely a slogan. It is an idea that we must turn into reality."

He called on people to work together towards this goal, saying, "Let us stand together for that goal. Let us work tirelessly and struggle together. Let us keep the spirit of India alive in our hearts like an eternal lamp."

Recalling the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle, the Ch...