Actor Suresh Gopi, who is being nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat, has said he would try his best to restore rivers, rivulets, ponds and other sources of precious water in Kerala that are drying up.
This activity will be kicked off in Thiruvananthapuram where he is based, before being extended to the whole state, he told newspersons here.
His aim would be to lead a comprehensive development effort aimed at planning and executing all-round growth for the state over the next 25 years.
He dismissed the notion that the decision to nominate him to the Upper House is a political one. "It is just that the Prime Minister recommended it and the President approved. Nothing more, nothing less."
Gopi said he has been active in the public sphere for the past 25 years. He has been in the forefront in the fight to save the environment from violence and destruction.
For him country comes first, politics only next. This would continue to be his credo, Gopi said.
O Rajagopal, senior leader and BJP candidate for the Nemom Assembly seat in Thiruvananthapuram, who was present along with Gopi, said he welcomed the latter's nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
Only, this should have happened a bit earlier, Rajagopal opined. Gopi's nomination goes to prove the intention of the Centre to duly recognise contributions of people even outside the field of politics.