The long-standing demand for conferring classical language status to five Indian languages was finally fulfilled by the Union on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulating all for this historic decision. This move highlights the government's commitment to respecting and promoting India's rich cultural diversity, languages, and heritage.
Classical Language Status for Five Indian Languages: A Milestone in Linguistic Preservation
In a momentous move, the Indian government has bestowed classical language status upon five Indian languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Sanskrit. This historic decision recognizes the exceptional literary heritage, antiquity, and cultural significance of these languages.
Background
The demand for classical language status has been a long-standing aspiration within the linguistic communities of India. For a language to be recognized as classical, it must meet specific criteria, including having a rich literary heritage, a recognized grammar, and a significant body of ancient literature.
Previously, only Sanskrit and Tamil had been granted classical language status in India. However, over the years, there has been growing support for the recognition of other Indian languages that possess similar linguistic and cultural value.
Government's Commitment
The government's decision to confer classical language status on these five languages reflects its commitment to preserving and promoting India's linguistic diversity. The move is seen as a recognition of the unique contributions of each language to Indian culture and heritage.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
Recognition as a classical language brings numerous benefits, including:
Top 5 FAQs
1. What does classical language status mean? Classical language status is a recognition of the historical, cultural, and linguistic significance of a language. It implies that the language has a rich literary heritage, a well-defined grammar, and a significant body of ancient literature.
2. Why were these five languages chosen? The five chosen languages meet the criteria for classical languages, including their antiquity, literary heritage, and grammatical structure. They are also widely spoken and have a significant cultural impact in India.
3. What are the implications of this decision? Classical language status provides these languages with enhanced recognition, funding, and support for their preservation and promotion. It also contributes to the cultural and linguistic diversity of India.
4. What is the significance of Sanskrit's inclusion? Sanskrit is the oldest of the five languages and has been recognized as a classical language for centuries. Its inclusion in this group further emphasizes its importance as a scholarly and cultural language.
5. Does classical language status ensure protection from extinction? Classical language status does not guarantee the survival of a language but provides a framework for its protection and promotion. It encourages research, education, and cultural programs aimed at preserving and revitalizing the language.
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In a significant move towards preserving and promoting Indian languages, the Union Cabinet has approved the classical language status for five more languages - Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision and highlighted the government's efforts to conserve and promote the classical languages. This decision has been welcomed by many, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who expressed gratitude to the Centre for including Assamese in the list. This move is aimed at honoring the historical significance of these languages and nurturing a deeper understanding among the younger generations.
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Amit Shah commends Indian government for significant reduction in violence and fatalities in Kashmir, North East, and Naxal regions. He also announces the establishment of a Joint Interrogation Centre to combat terrorism and cybercrime.
In a passionate speech, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan advocated for the establishment of a legal framework to preserve and protect Sanatana Dharma from any disruptions. He proposed the formation of a Sanatana Dharma Preservation Board at national and state levels and emphasized the need for annual funding for its operations. Kalyan also called for measures to ensure the purity of temple offerings and envisioned temples as not just spiritual centers, but also hubs for education, art, and environmental protection.
Prime Minister Modi has congratulated the newly-designated classical languages, including Marathi, on social media platform X. The recent approval for classical status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit comes just ahead of the scheduled Assembly elections in Maharashtra, making it a significant political move. While the recognition honors the timeless influence of these languages on India's culture and history, PM Modi hopes that it will inspire more people to learn and preserve them.