KOCHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a high-profile visit to poll-bound Kerala, declared on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, that the official renaming of the state from Kerala to ‘Keralam’ by the Union Government marks a “joyful moment” for Malayali communities worldwide. The Prime Minister made these remarks while inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, a prominent organization dedicated to the welfare of the state’s fishing community.
Arriving at Kochi International Airport around 11:30 AM, the Prime Minister proceeded to Marine Drive via a naval helicopter and a road motorcade. Addressing a massive gathering, Modi praised the Dheevara Sabha for its five decades of advocacy for fishermen’s rights. He specifically lauded the “courage, service, and dedication” of the fishing community, referring to them as the state’s “unsung heroes” for their pivotal rescue roles during the devastating 2018 floods.
Empowering the “Sons of the Sea”
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to the maritime sector, the Prime Minister detailed several technological and financial initiatives aimed at empowering the fishing community:
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Safety at Sea: The Union Government has successfully installed over 4,500 satellite-based transponders in fishing boats, allowing for real-time tracking and emergency communication during high-sea ventures.
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Modernization: Modi emphasized the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to modernize fishing harbours and improve the cold-chain infrastructure in the state.
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Economic Security: The Prime Minister noted that the Dheevara community’s long-standing demands are being integrated into national policy through the dedicated Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
The Prime Minister’s visit carries significant political weight as the state prepares for upcoming assembly elections. Following the jubilee event, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the NDA’s state election convention, where he is expected to outline the coalition’s vision for a “Viksit Keralam” (Developed Keralam). The renaming of the state, a long-standing cultural and linguistic demand, is seen as a strategic move by the Centre to align with regional sub-national identity ahead of the polls.
