CM, Governor displeased at Malayalam not given classical language status

Kerela Chief Minister, V.S.AchuthanandanAt the inauguration of 'Ezhuthuvilakku' - the three-day state-level workshop for young and upcoming writers - Kerela Chief Minister, V. S. Achuthanandan, expressed his concern over Malayalam not being conferred the classical language status by the Centre, despite the fact that Malayalam had a rich literary tradition.

Urging the Union government to provide its support for research into various aspects of literature in all languages in the country, Achuthanandan said Malayalam should receive the same consideration as Kannada and Telugu got in this respect.

Achuthanandan asked: "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 clamoring for classical language status for their respective languages?"

Governor R. S. Gavai, who inaugurated the workshop organized by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi at the Kanakakkunnu Palace Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, also echoed the Chief Minister's concerns. He said: "It is unfortunate that Malayalam was not given the classical language status. I shall definitely take up the issue and do all that I can."

Talking about 'Ezhuthuvilakku,' Minister for Cultural Affairs, M. A. Baby, said the program was designed to inspire young literary talent through interaction with eminent writers in the State. Over 130 young writers from across the State are participating in workshop, which will continue till Sunday.

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