Kochi: The Manorama News Conclave 2026, a forum bringing together leading voices to discuss issues shaping the nation’s future, will begin at 9 am on Saturday at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi.

This year’s conclave, themed ‘Kerala @70’, features a diverse line-up of speakers, including Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan, CPM General Secretary M A Baby and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

Launched in 2017, the Manorama News Conclave has explored themes ranging from happiness and freedom to the idea of a new India. The day-long forum brings together political leaders, experts, artists and other prominent voices for conversations and debates on issues of contemporary relevance.

Here’s a quick look at the sessions lined up for this year’s conclave:

• 9 am | Inauguration
  Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu (Union Minister for Civil Aviation)
• 10 am | Turbulence and takeoff: Indian aviation — From disruption to transformation
  Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hibi Eden (MP)
• 10.15 am | Generation unscripted: Dreams, disruptions and the new language of success
  Gouri Kishan (Actor), Raul John Aju (AI entrepreneur), Fathima Tahiliya (MLA) | Mariya Jomon
• 11 am | The real Left: Who speaks for progressive politics in India today?
  M A Baby (General Secretary, CPM) | A Ayyappadas
• 11.45 am | Kerala on the edge: Lessons, preparedness and the climate challenge
  Dr S Abhilash (Atmospheric Scientist), C K Vishnudas (Ecologist - Ornithologist) | Binu Aravindan
• 12.30 pm | Growth with purpose: ESG and the new rules of responsible business
  M P Ahammed (Chairman, Malabar Group) | Prasanth R Nair
• 2 pm | The art of speaking truth
  Dr Edanad Rajan Nambiar (Chakyarkoothu exponent)
• 2.45 pm | Growth and ground realities: Building the next Keralam
  P K Kunhalikutty (Minister for Industries and Commerce, Kerala), Jose Thomas (CMD, Choice Group), Minu Chithambaram (CEO, KCA), Tom M Joseph (Director, New Initiatives, Jain University) | Shani Prabhakaran
• 3.45 pm | Oceans of influence: Why the oceans Will Shape India’s Future
  Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (Chief of the Naval Staff) | Nisha Purushothaman
• 4.45 pm | What Happened to Keralam? How Kerala’s society, values and aspirations have changed
  Ramesh Pisharody (MLA), Vinoy Thomas (Author), Adeela Abdulla IAS (Secretary, PWD) | Jayamohan
• 5.30 pm | The Urvashi effect: How an actor transcended generations, genres and expectations
  Urvashi (Actor)
• 6 pm | Valedictory Address: The next Kerala — Rethinking Kerala’s future in a changing India
  V D Satheesan (Chief Minister, Kerala) | Johny Lukose