New Delhi: Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia has disagreed with the classification of Malayalam and Tamil as regional languages, questioning the basis of such a distinction. Speaking at the literary festival organised by the Kendra Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi, he raised concerns over the misconception surrounding the conventional categorisation of these languages.

"It is a long-standing misconception that Malayalam and Tamil are regional languages. It is also blindly continued," Zacharia stated.

He further questioned, "If these are regional, then which is the national language?"

Zacharia also pointed out that it is not possible to claim that any one language can be considered representative of Indian literature.

"Hindi is spoken by majority of people as their mother tongue. But creative creations are being produced in all 22 mother tongues," he said, emphasising the literary contributions made across all recognised languages in India.

Highlighting the importance of translations in fostering linguistic inclusivity, Zacharia stressed the necessity of a structured approach.

"Translation helps people to understand other languages. Therefore, we need a clear translation plan," he remarked.