In a ceremony held in Kottayam, the Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed) honoured the academic excellence of the children of fishermen from the district. The ‘Excellence-2024’ Education Award recognised the hard work and dedication of 17 students who achieved top marks in their SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) and Plus Two examinations, awarding them with cash prizes and commemorative souvenirs.
C.K. Asha, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), delivered the awards, emphasising the importance of education in uplifting communities and encouraging the students to continue striving for excellence. The event was presided over by Vaikom Municipal Chairperson Preeta Rajesh, who highlighted the collective efforts needed to support the educational endeavours of young students from fishing communities.
Dr. Joyce Abraham, District Manager of Matsyafed, presented a detailed report on the initiatives and achievements of Matsyafed. She underscored the organisation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for fishermen and their families through various educational and welfare programmes. Matsyafed Board member S. Bahuleyan also disbursed financial assistance to primary fishermen groups, reinforcing the organisation’s support for grassroots development.
Prominent figures from the community, including K.K. Ramesan, a member of the Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Board of Directors, and P.S. Babu, a member of the Matsyafed Executive Committee, addressed the gathering. They reiterated the significance of such awards in motivating students and acknowledged the collaborative efforts required to sustain these initiatives.
Sivadas Narayanan, President of the Dhivar Sabha District, and D. Babu, District Secretary of the Fishermen’s Federation (A.I.T.U.C.), along with P.S. Santosh, District President of the District Fishermen’s Union (B.M.S.), and T.K. Subha, Superintendent, also spoke at the event. Their speeches focused on the critical role of education in community development and the ongoing efforts to provide better opportunities for the children of fishermen.
The ceremony included a seminar on the empowerment of inland fishermen cooperatives. This seminar aimed to educate and empower the cooperative members on best practices, sustainable fishing methods, and the benefits of collective efforts in improving their livelihoods.
Matsyafed, established in 1984, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at the welfare of the fisher community in Kerala. The organisation operates numerous projects focusing on production, procurement, processing, and marketing of fish and fish products, as well as various welfare activities for the fishermen and their families. Matsyafed’s commitment extends to education, health, and overall social development, ensuring a holistic approach to community upliftment, said speakers.
