Kerala celebrates state-formation anniversary as 'classical language' day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala today celebrated its state-formation anniversary as "classical language" day, rejoicing the elevation of Malayalam to the coveted status earlier this year.

Cultural programmes, seminars and honouring of writers and artists were organised as part of the celebrations in the state capital and other centres.

Malayalam was conferred the "classical" status by the Centre after prolonged campaigning by the government with the support of writers, academics and linguists.

The present state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956 by integrating the erstwhile Malabar district under the British rule during the colonial era, with the princely states of Travancore and Cochin.