New Delhi: In a significant move to preserve and honour India’s rich cultural heritage, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, agreed on Thursday to designate Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali as classical languages.
The Classical Languages preserve Bharat’s vast and ancient cultural heritage by capturing the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestones.
According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Cabinet has accepted the designation of five new languages as ‘classical.’ This decision was made after a thorough review and consideration of their historical and cultural significance.
“PM Modi has always focused on Indian languages…Today, five languages – Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali have been approved as classical languages,” Vaishnaw said.
These languages join six others already recognised as classical: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
It was the Indian government that decided to create a new category of languages, “Classical Languages,” on October 12, 2004, declaring Tamil a Classical Language. This decision, aimed at preserving our rich cultural heritage, set the following criteria for the status of Classical Language: High Antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a thousand years. Secondly, a body of ancient literature/ texts that is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers. Third, the literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
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A Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was constituted by the Ministry of Culture under the Sahitya Akademi in November 2004 to examine the proposed languages for Classical Language status. The criteria were revised in November 2005 as follows: First, the high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years. Second, a body of ancient literature/texts which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers. Third, the literary tradition is original and not borrowed from another speech community. Fourth, the classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots. Sanskrit was declared a Classical Language then.
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This decision impacts the primary states of Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The cultural and academic implications of this recognition are profound, and it will resonate nationally and internationally, showcasing India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
The major benefit of conferring classical language status to these tongues is employment generation. Significant employment opportunities are opened up by including these languages as classical, particularly in the academic and research fields. This will not only promote the study and understanding of these languages but also provide practical benefits to the workforce.
Prime Minister Modi expresses commitment to popularising regional languages
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight at including the languages in the classical (languages) list, underlining that the government cherishes and celebrates India’s rich history and culture.
The PM also exclusively mentioned every language included in the Classical Language fold.
Taking to X, PM Modi said: “Our Government cherishes and celebrates India’s rich history and culture. We have also been unwavering in our commitment to popularising regional languages. I am extremely glad the Cabinet has decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit will be conferred the status of Classical Languages! Each of them is a beautiful language, highlighting our vibrant diversity.”
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–IANS
Language Graphic: For Representation Purpose
PM Photo: IANS
–IANS
