Languages will have to meet the requirements of new generation: Mukherjee

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 30 (ANI): Emphasizing that Malayalam was part of India's literary heritage, President Pranab Mukherjee said that a language that is ill equipped to meet the requirements of the new generation, cannot be safe in its hands.

Inaugurating the Viswa Malayalee Mahotsav-2012 here, Mukherjee said, "A language, however much it may be enriched with traditional values and heritage, would loose its relevance and popularity if it did not evolve."

"It is therefore necessary, while safeguarding our cherished languages, to promote them through all the modern means at our disposal today - while at the same time, taking care to nurture their uniqueness. This Mahostavam will, no doubt, address such issues," added Mukherjee in his inaugural address.

On this first visit to Kerala after assuming the office of President, Mukherjee expressed his pleasure and delight to be here in God's Own Country for the Viswa Malayalam Mahotsavam, the grand festival of Malayalam.

Talking about evolution and development of the Malayalam President said, "It is recorded that although Tamil continued to be used as the literary idiom for some time, eventually, the people's language prevailed in this region and Malayalam became the language of communication for all purposes by the beginning of the early 9th century AD."

"I understand a new Malayalam University will start functioning from November 1, 2012 at Tirur and will be dedicated to the study of Malayalam linguistics, literature, performing arts, visual arts and architecture, cultural anthropology and cultural and intellectual heritage studies among others," added President.

Today, an estimated 35 million Malayalam speakers can be found around the world, the majority of them concentrated in India.

The Viswa Malayala Mahotsavam-2012 celebrates the language and unique cultural identity that is Malayalam.

It is also significant that this Festival is being held on the 56th anniversary of the birth of Kerala, on the basis of linguistic re-organisation on November 1, 1956. (ANI)