THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Institute of Languages, an academic publishing house is celebrating its silver jubilee. Celebrations begin with a five-day programme at Vyloppilli Samskruti Bhavan. Cultural Minister A K Balan will inaugurate the year- long celebration on September 16 at 5 pm. K Muraleedharan MLA will preside.
Mayor V K Prasanth, district panchayat president V K Madhu and secretary for culture Rani George will speak onthe occasion. Rare books published by the institute and photos will be displayed at the NV Hall on Saturday from 9 am.
Institute director V Karthikeyan will hoist the flag at 10.30 am. Ayilam Unnikrishnan will present a kathaprasangam titled ‘namukku jathiyilla’ at 5.30 pm.
The State Institute of Languages was established on September 16, 1968 as part of the fourth five-year plan. Twelve years later, on November 1, 1980, a regional center was set up in Kozhikode.
The very first publications of the Institute included 16 glossaries (shabdaavali) including a Vijnaanashabdaavali and a Maanavikashabdaavali. The institute publishes books on science and technology, the arts, literature, folklore and information technology. In addition to book publication, the institute also runs translation camps, book festivals, computer training and seminars.