Kochi: The Golden Jubilee closing meeting of the Kerala Dheevara Sabha, held on the banks of Kochi Lake, created a historic moment as tens of thousands of members of the Dheevara community gathered at the conference city on Marine Drive. The large-scale participation reflected the growing political and social mobilisation of the coastal community.
The conference began nearly an hour before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with community leaders outlining the key demands and concerns of the Dheevara community. Speakers at the meeting emphasised that the gathering was not merely a commemorative event marking fifty years of the organisation, but a collective assertion of the rights and aspirations of people living in Kerala’s coastal and backwater regions.
Prime Minister’s participation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the venue around noon and was welcomed with a ceremonial shawl and a sculpture representing the Matsya (fish) avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu, symbolising the cultural identity of the fishing community. During the event, leaders of the Kerala Dheevara Sabha presented a series of demands before the Prime Minister. Among the key issues raised were the urgent need to curb pollution in lakes and rivers that sustain the livelihoods of fishing communities, greater political representation, and the inclusion of the Dheevara community in the Scheduled Caste category.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the traditions of the Dheevara community are deeply connected to India’s civilisational heritage and form part of the country’s epic cultural legacy. He noted that the community has historically played an important role in protecting both the sea and the land.
Addressing the gathering, he said that while many people view the ocean merely as a resource, the Dheevara community regards it as a mother, reflecting a deep bond with nature and the environment. Modi praised the journey of the organisation over the past fifty years, highlighting its commitment to service, community welfare and cultural preservation. He said the efforts and dedication shown by the Dheevara Sabha during this period deserve recognition. Extending his greetings, he wished all members of the Dheevara community in Kerala continued progress and prosperity. The Prime Minister also described the Akhil Kerala Dheevara Sabha as an example of a balanced movement that brings together livelihood, life, development and culture. Addressing the gathering as “children of the sea,” he said he had come to seek their blessings, adding that for him, the people themselves are like a divine presence.
Delighted to attend the Golden Jubilee Sangamam of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha in Ernakulam. This body holds a special place in Keralam’s society for its work in furthering fishermen’s welfare. pic.twitter.com/QSxijo0M9J
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2026
Community demands and political assertion
Addressing the gathering, the organisation’s general secretary and former MLA V. Dinakaran said the community would support those who stand with the people of the coastal region and the Kerala Dheevara Sabha. At the same time, he warned that those who neglect or harm the interests of the community would face a democratic response. Dinakaran observed that even after fifty years of the organisation’s existence, the community has not received the recognition and justice it deserves. He described the Dheevara community as one that has always contributed willingly to the nation’s development while remaining socially and politically underrepresented.
According to him, nearly 25 lakh people belonging to the community live in the backwater and coastal regions of Kerala. Despite being a decisive community in around 48 Assembly constituencies, they currently have only one representative in the legislature. The conference also strongly criticised the CPI(M)- led state government for not including the Dheevara community in the Scheduled Caste category and for failing to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission and the Kirthard report. Leaders alleged that the state government has adopted a policy of indifference toward the community. “While some communities are given privileges and opportunities, others are denied even basic recognition,” Dinakaran said, describing the conference as a warning to those who ignore the concerns of the coastal population.
Speakers also pointed out that the community currently lacks representation in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The leaders emphasised that this imbalance must change and called for greater recognition of the community’s political importance. The Golden Jubilee conference concluded with a strong message that the coastal community expects meaningful policy attention and political representation in the coming years.
The function was presided over by Akhil Kerala Dheevara Sabha State President M. V. Varijakshan. Among those who spoke on the occasion were General Secretary V. Dinakaran, Senior Vice President Poonthura Sreekumar, Union Minister George Kurien, BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MP Hibi Eden, Mayor V. K. Mini Mol, former minister S. Sharma and MLA T. J. Vinod, along with several leaders of the Dheevara Sabha.
