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.
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.
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.
In a move to promote the preservation and research of Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, the Indian government has granted them the status of Classical Language. This decision will enhance the cultural and linguistic identity of the speakers and contribute to the conservation of ancient literature and texts. The digitization of manuscripts will also ensure that future generations have access to these valuable works.
In a move to preserve and celebrate India's diverse cultural heritage, the Union Cabinet has approved the status of classical language to five Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This brings the total number of recognized classical languages to 11, with the government acknowledging their significance in preserving the country's rich history and tradition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both took to social media to express their delight at this decision, emphasizing the importance of promoting regional languages in India.
Writer and professor Rajappa Dalavayi expressed disappointment over the slow progress and wasted time at the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada by debating its location. The Centre, which was supposed to promote Kannada language and culture, is far behind the autonomous status and progress achieved by similar centres for Tamil and Telugu languages. Dalavayi also shared a story of how a simple rickshaw driver became a popular figure in politics after being introduced to literature by a famous writer, emphasizing the impact of literature on ordinary people.
In Odisha, the sixth Indian language to be designated as classical, speakers at a discourse on Odia language, literature and culture discussed the need for support in order for it to flourish. Odisha's minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Health and Family Welfare Niranjan Pujari spoke about the state's rich heritage and legacy, and its first World Odia Language Conference taking place at SOA University. Other notable attendees included literateur and former Odisha minister Rasbehari Behera and media expert and editor Dr Umakanta Mishra, who called for universities to take the lead in promoting the language.