1.4kcr was given to fishing sector’

Kochi: PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid rich tributes to the fishermen community for their courage, service and dedication during the 2018 floods in the state. He said their participation in national movements, including Ram Janmabhoomi movement, was a proof of their enduring commitment.At Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha (AKDS)'s golden jubilee celebrations in Kochi on Wednesday, Modi said the renaming of the state from Kerala to Keralam by the Union govt was a "celebration for my Malayali brothers and sisters". "It was your wish to change Kerala to Keralam and the BJP-led NDA govt made it a reality. This beautiful place now has the right name. I congratulate everyone for their efforts," he said.Highlighting the various initiatives by the Union govt to support fisher community, he said, "Safety for fishers going to sea and returning was a major concern in the past. Now, safety has improved significantly, with around 7,000 transponders installed on Kerala's fishing boats, allowing real-time tracking through technology."Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Rs 1,400 crore was allocated to Kerala to improve infrastructure, provide financial support and mainstream the fishing community, Modi said. "The youth are to lead the community in the blue economy, strengthening matsya farmer producer organisations," he said.Modi said AKDS was an organisation that fought for fishers' rights for the last 50 years. "Dheevara Sabha's tradition is part of the country's legend. The community was able to protect both sea and land. I also take this opportunity to remember Pandit Karuppan, who raised his voice for the cause of rights and Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, who is respected all over the world," he said.AKDS president Varijakshan, general secretary V Dinakaran and senior vice-president Poonthura Sreekumar were among those present.