On Saturday, during the Malayalam Language Day and Official Language Week celebrations, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan honored two remarkable individuals: Malayalam teacher K.K. Sarasamma and celebrated writer M.M. Basheer.
The Chief Minister highlighted their unwavering dedication to the Malayalam language, spanning several decades.
“As part of Malayalam Day, the government is honoring two distinguished individuals — Ms. Sarasamma teacher, who has been training children and interested adults across generations in Aksharaslokam, Kavyakeli, and Kavyalapanam; and Dr. M.M. Basheer, a noted linguist, critic, and writer,” Mr. Vijayan said while announcing the honours.
Ms. Sarasamma, originally from Elanji near Muvattupuzha and now residing in Kochi, has significantly contributed to literary communities. She established a popular online WhatsApp group for poetry enthusiasts and manages a YouTube channel dedicated to Malayalam language and poetry, both of which have garnered widespread acclaim.
Dr. Basheer’s literary contributions include over 50 books encompassing Malayalam poetry, short stories, and novels. His acclaimed critical works, such as Kumaaranaasaante Rachanaasilppam and Aadhyakalakadhakalum Aadhya Niroopanavum, earned him the prestigious Puthezhath Raman Menon Award in 1989.
Malayalam as the Official Administrative Language
During the event, the Chief Minister also discussed his government’s ongoing efforts to establish Malayalam as the sole administrative language throughout Kerala.
He observed a growing enthusiasm for Kerala’s rich culture and mother tongue, particularly among government employees, and emphasized the importance of this sentiment being fully integrated into the state’s administrative functions.
Mr. Vijayan reiterated Malayalam’s national recognition as a classical language. He stressed that to truly uphold this status, Malayalam must achieve a prominent position in all aspects of Malayali life, including education, public administration, and the judiciary.
To further the comprehensive development of Malayalam, the government has drafted a new piece of legislation, the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025. This bill was passed by the Kerala Assembly on October 10 and awaits the Governor’s assent to become law.
Underlining the profound cultural significance of one’s native language, the Chief Minister explained that it encapsulates a people’s historical experiences, collective consciousness, and unique identity. He added that the mother tongue is fundamental to developing linguistic abilities, communication skills, learning capacity, and social awareness from early childhood.