For 42-year-old Gilbert Raju, fishing is more than a livelihood it’s a way of life. But after the collapse of Kerala’s historic Valiyathura Pier in 2024, the hearing and speech-impaired fisherman has been struggling to make ends meet. As fishers wait for the pier to be rebuilt, Gilbert continues to rely on odd jobs, government assistance and hope for a return to the sea.

Published - July 15, 2026 04:07 pm IST