Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed support for renaming the southern state of Kerala to “Keralam,” calling it a “joyful moment” for the state’s residents. He made the remarks during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha programmes, including the inauguration of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance election convention, praised the courage and service of the fishing community during the 2018 Kerala floods. He highlighted the Dheevara Sabha’s 50-year-long work advocating for fishermen’s rights and their ongoing contributions to the state.
Modi also reiterated the Union government’s efforts to empower fishermen through multiple initiatives. Among these, he mentioned the installation of over 4,500 satellite-based transponders on fishing boats to enhance safety at sea, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving both livelihoods and security for the community.
The Prime Minister’s visit began at Kochi International Airport around 11:30 a.m., from where he traveled by helicopter to a naval base and then by road to Marine Drive for the Dheevara Sabha’s golden jubilee event. His presence at the celebration emphasized the government’s recognition of the community’s contributions and the importance of regional cultural identity.
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During his address, Modi tied the renaming proposal to broader cultural and historical significance, framing it as an acknowledgment of Kerala’s heritage and a gesture of pride for Malayali residents. His remarks are expected to resonate ahead of the state’s upcoming elections, given the political and symbolic weight of the announcement.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions and advocacy by local groups for officially using “Keralam,” the traditional Malayalam name for the state, reflecting linguistic and cultural pride alongside administrative recognition.
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