"Deepika has played a key role in highlighting the issues and problems faced by farmers in the state. Deepika has also played a very important part in transforming the state which was doomed under casteism," he said after inaugurating the valedictory function organized in connection with the 125th anniversary celebrations of the daily here.
Apart from this, the daily has also promoted the reading habit in the state, he added.
Major Arch Bishop Cardinal George Alenchery presided.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Leader of the opposition in the assembly and CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan and state Ministers M Mani and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan were among those who attended the function.