Malayalam eligible for classical status, says Oommen Chandy

Malayalam has all the qualifications to receive the classical language status and there is no justification for denying the status to the language without even considering the State’s opinion, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurating the festivaloffice of the upcoming Vishwamalayala Mahotsavam being organised by theKerala Sahitya Akademi in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Photo: By Arrangement

Malayalam has all the qualifications to receive the classical language status and there is no justification for denying the status to the language without even considering the State’s opinion, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the festival office for the ‘Vishwamalayala Mahotsavam’ to be held in the city on November 1,2 and 3.

Not justified

“If they are unwilling to hear our side and deny the status, it cannot be justified,” he said here on Wednesday. The Mahotsavam and its celebrations should become a representation of the Malayalis all over the world, he added.

Organisers

Kerala Sahitya Academy is organising the festival.

Minster for Cultural Affairs K.C. Joseph presided over the function. Finance Minister K.M. Mani, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor K. Chandrika, Palode Ravi, MLA, poet O.N.V Kurup, film-maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and poet Sugathakumari among others were present at the function.