THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pallippuram Jayakumar has become a star through his perfect translation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Malayalam on the stage at the Central Stadium. The organizers also introduced Jayakumar, who has been translating the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat into Malayalam for the past nine years, to Modi. Modi appreciated saying he has a good voice.

Jayakumar, who translates Mann Ki Baat and the Prime Minister's Independence Day speech at the Red Fort into Malayalam for Doordarshan, is meeting Modi for the first time. Last night, Press Information Bureau officials called and handed over the translation of the speech at the Central Stadium.

A pre-prepared speech was delivered by looking at a teleprompter. A copy of the speech was obtained in advance but live translation was done without transcribing.

Jayakumar has been a Hindi teacher for 24 years at Edavilakam UP School in Murukumpuzha. Prime Minister's first Mann Ki Baat was assigned to be translated into Malayalam for Doordarshan on 3 October 2014. It was Jayakumar who translated the speech of the then US President Barack Obama, who was the chief guest on Republic Day 2015, into Malayalam for Doordarshan. He will also translate the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat next Sunday.

Earlier he was also a teacher in Kerala Hindi Prachar Sabha for some time. He is an A grade drama artist of Akashvani. He is also a children's speech coach who is selected for the Children's Day celebration in the Children's Welfare Committee. Jayakumar, an MA and B.Ed graduate, will retire from service next year. Wife-Bindu. Children: Akhil (software engineer) and Akhila (student).