A new Cultural akademi formed in kerala

A new cultural Akademi, christened 'Malayalam' took shape in Kerala today with its formal inauguration by cultural affairs minister, M A Baby.

Speaking on the occasion, Baby said the Akademi should promote the state's traditional art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam. With the erosion of cultural values, there were hardly any promoters for these art forms, he said.

The academy honoured renowned theatre personality Kavalam Narayana Panicker by presenting him with the academy's first 'Rangapratibha' award.

A musical tribute was paid to late music director Ravindran.