Thiruvananthapuram, 01 Nov (H.S.):

Kerala celebrated 70 years of its formation on Sunday, marking a journey shaped by social reform, democratic participation and achievements in education and healthcare that have made the state a model for the country.

The occasion also marked the first Keralam Piravi celebration since the state’s name was changed from Kerala to Keralam. Government institutions and various organisations arranged programmes across the state, celebrating its linguistic identity, cultural heritage and development milestones.

In the capital, the Legislative Assembly complex became a focal point of celebrations, bringing together appreciation for the Malayalam language and recognition of the institutions and individuals who contributed to Kerala’s democratic traditions.

A ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m., presided over by Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, was organised to honour former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, former Assembly secretaries and senior journalists.

Former legislator M.J. Jacob was also chosen for special recognition for his achievements in international sporting competitions, adding a sporting dimension to the anniversary observances.

An eight-day book exhibition at the Assembly Library Reference Hall formed another major attraction. Radhakrishnan was scheduled to inaugurate the exhibition at 9.15 a.m., highlighting the role of reading and literature in the state’s public life.

The announcement of the 2026 Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Malayalam literature’s highest honour, was also scheduled for Sunday, lending further significance to the celebrations.

Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, through the linguistic reorganisation of states, bringing together the Malayalam-speaking regions of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar.

Over the following decades, land reforms, education legislation, decentralisation, literacy campaigns and the People’s Plan movement helped transform its social and political landscape. Environmental protection movements also became an important part of public engagement.

The anniversary offered an occasion to revisit these milestones while celebrating the Malayalam language and the shared identity that brought the state’s different regions together seven decades ago.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman