Kochi, March 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Dheevara community has the potential to drive Kerala's economy forward and called upon young fishermen to take the lead in strengthening India's Blue Economy.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha in Kochi, Modi began his speech with a greeting to the community, saying, "Namaskaram to the children of the sea."
His visit to the event -- organised by a community that commands a significant vote share in certain coastal belts of the state -- comes at a time when political parties are stepping up outreach efforts ahead of the next Kerala Assembly election.
Modi said the ocean-based economy offers major opportunities for the country, and fishermen from Kerala should play a leading role in it.
"Young fishermen should lead India's 'Blue Economy' from the front," he said.
The prime minister said the Centre had allocated Rs 1,400 crore to the state under the 'Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana' and announced several initiatives to strengthen the fisheries sector.
He also highlighted the use of technology to improve safety at sea. According to him, satellite-based systems have been provided to about 7,000 fishing boats in Kerala, of which 4,500 boats are already using the technology.
Modi said the Central government was also focusing on developing coastal infrastructure. Apart from the Muthalappozhi Fishing Harbour, being developed at a cost of Rs 177 crore, six more fishing harbours would be modernised, and the Centre has also supported the setting up of 16 ice plants for the sector, he said.
Recalling the role played by fishermen during natural disasters, Modi said the country would always remain grateful to them.
"During the floods, fishermen risked their lives and took their boats into the waters to rescue tens of thousands of people. The nation will always remember this service with gratitude," he said.
He said the hard work of fishermen was giving the country "a new direction" and added that the government had worked to enhance the dignity of the community.
Referring to the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, Modi said the organisation had been fighting for the rights of fishermen for the past 50 years.
"I extend my best wishes to all members of the Dheevara Sabha and to the entire community," he said.
In his inaugural address, Modi also termed the change of name of the state to Keralam as a "joyful moment for Malayali brothers".
In a more personal note, the prime minister told the gathering, "I have come here to seek blessings from the people, not to give blessings. The people are my God. It is you who must bless me."
He also referred to social reformer Pandit Karuppan and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, saying the legacy of the Dheevara community was deeply connected with India's civilisational traditions and its maritime heritage.
Modi arrived at the Kochi international airport around 11.30 am and was given a warm welcome by Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak, along with DGP Rawada Chandrasekhar, District Collector G Priyanka and Rural SP Sudarshan, a state government statement said.
Subsequently, he left by helicopter for the Kochi naval base from where he travelled by road to the Marine Drive for his first event of the day -- the golden jubilee celebrations of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha.