The Hindu : Front Page : Governor to take up Malayalam’s case

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Friday, Nov 07, 2008
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Governor to take up Malayalam’s case

Special Correspondent

Gavai says Malayalam has a rich tradition
VS seeks support for research into literature

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor R.S. Gavai has said it was unfortunate that the Centre did not declare Malayalam as a classical language when that status was accorded last week to Kannada and Telugu.

Inaugurating ‘Ezhuthuvilakku,’ a State-level literary workshop for young writers organised by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi here on Thursday, Mr. Gavai said he would, in his capacity as the Governor of the State, take up the matter in an appropriate manner with the Union government. He said Malayalam had a rich literary tradition.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who presided over the function, urged the Union government to provide its support for research into various aspects of literature in all languages in the country. He said Malayalam should receive the same consideration as Kannada and Telugu got in this respect.

“We can understand Sanskrit and Tamil getting the status of classical language. What was the yardstick used when Kannada and Telugu were given that status and Malayalam was not? What will happen if the people of other States also start clamouring for classical language status for their respective languages,” Mr. Achuthanandan asked.

Over 130 young writers from across the State, selected from district-level workshops held earlier, are participating in ‘Ezhuthuvilakku,’ which will continue till Sunday.

Minister for Cultural Affairs M.A. Baby said the programme was designed to inspire young literary talent through interaction with eminent writers in the State.

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