Kochi, March 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the golden jubilee festivities of the Kerala Dheevara Sabha in Kochi on Wednesday, commending the fisher community and underscoring the government's efforts to bolster the fisheries sector. This move is perceived as a strategy to engage a politically significant coastal demographic in the state.

This visit marks PM Modi's first event of the day during his brief stay in Kochi.

Speaking to a large audience at the celebration of the organisation's 50th year, PM Modi referred to the day as a “historic occasion” for a group that has “dedicated itself to the advancement of fisher folk.”

In response to comments made by Sabha President V. Dinakaran, who remarked that the Prime Minister had arrived to bless the community, PM Modi expressed that he was there to seek their blessings.

Dinakaran, a two-time former Congress MLA who transitioned to the BJP last year, leads the organization representing a substantial portion of Kerala’s fishing population.

The Kerala Dheevara Sabha encompasses an estimated fisher folk community of about 2.5 million across the state, holding significant influence in approximately 45 Assembly constituencies and representing a vital electoral force in Kerala's political landscape.

PM Modi acknowledged the community's rich heritage in safeguarding the nation’s coastal resources and traditions, emphasizing that their efforts exemplify the cultural value of honoring water bodies as forms of 'Mother Nature.'

He also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi.

Reflecting on the catastrophic floods that impacted Kerala in recent years, the Prime Minister noted that fisher folk came forward en masse to assist stranded individuals, recognizing the nation’s debt of gratitude for their bravery and service.

In his remarks on the government's initiatives for the fisheries industry, PM Modi mentioned that the National Democratic Alliance government has established a dedicated ministry to advance the “blue economy.”

He indicated that around Rs 1,400 crore has been allocated for Kerala’s fisher folk through various programs.

The Prime Minister also discussed the National Fisheries Digital Platform, which aims to streamline activities in the sector, along with satellite-based navigation support for fishing vessels equipped with thousands of transponders, and the establishment of nine modern integrated coastal villages in Kerala.

He stated that the modernization of fishing harbors, including the development of amenities like ice plants, is currently underway with Central funding.

Emphasizing that fisheries is evolving beyond a traditional industry, PM Modi remarked that the sector is increasingly incorporating modern technology and innovation.

Programs like Sagar Mitra are being implemented to ensure that the advantages of this transformation reach fisher folk households.

“The strength of the Dheevara Sabha is evident today,” the Prime Minister noted, alluding to the impressive turnout at the event.

He expressed confidence that the community’s contributions would persist in propelling Kerala’s economic and social advancement.