Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday felicitated Malayalam teacher KK Sarasamma and writer MM Basheer as part of Malayalam Language Day and Official Language Week celebrations.
The Chief Minister said that Ms. Sarasamma and Dr. Basheer has worked with deep commitment for Malayalam language for several decades.
“As part of Malayalam Day, the government is honoring two eminent personalities – Ms. Sarasamma, a teacher who educates children and adult aspirants across generations in Aksharaslokam, Kavyakeli and Kavyalapanam, and Dr. MM Basheer, a noted linguist, critic and writer,” Mr. Vijayan said while announcing the award.
Ms. Sarasamma, a native of Elanji near Muvattupuzha, who currently lives in Kochi, started a WhatsApp group a few years ago where poetry enthusiasts engage in literary discussions. He also runs a YouTube channel that promotes the Malayalam language and poetry. Both platforms have earned wide acclaim from literature lovers and writers across age groups.
Dr. Basheer is the author of more than 50 books on Malayalam poetry, short stories and novels. His notable critical studies include Kumaaranaasaante Rachanaasilppam and Aadhyakalakadhakalum Aadhya Niroopanavum. He received the Puthezhath Raman Menon Award in 1989.
Administrative language
Speaking at the function, the Chief Minister said that his government is implementing several schemes to make Malayalam the sole administrative language of Kerala.
“In recent years, there has been a growing sense of love and interest in the culture of Kerala and our mother tongue, even among the government employees. This interest should be reflected significantly in the functioning of our administrative system,” he said.
Mr. Vijayan noted that Malayalam has been recognized as a classical language at the national level. “However, for Malayalam to truly deserve this status, it must find a prominent place in every sphere of Malay life – in education, administration and the judiciary,” he said.
“To ensure the comprehensive progress of Malayalam, the government has now prepared a new law – the Malayalam Language Act, 2025 – which was passed by the Kerala Assembly on October 10. It will become a law once it receives the Governor’s assent,” Mr Vijayan said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the cultural significance of mother tongue and said it reflects the historical experience, consciousness and identity of the people. “It is through the mother tongue that people develop language skills, communication skills, learning ability and social awareness from childhood,” he said.
Published – 01 Nov 2025 21:37 IST
