New Delhi: The Union Cabinet agreed to give classical language Status of five Indian languages: Marathi, shift, Prakrit, AssameseAnd BengaliUnion Minister Ashwini Vaishnav made the announcement on Thursday.
Vaishnav said, “PM Modi has always focused on Indian languages… Today, 5 languages Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali have been approved as classical languages.” He then said, “Till now, we had Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Oriya notified classical languages… The government is taking several steps to preserve and propagate the classical languages and preserve the rich heritage of these languages Picking up.”
“The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the granting of classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. Classical languages serve as custodians of India’s deep and ancient cultural heritage , which embodies the essence of the historical and cultural milestones of each community,” the government said in a press release.
“The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and educational impact will extend nationally and internationally.” Added in his statement.
With this, the number of classical languages will almost double from 6 to 11. The government first introduced the “Classical Languages” category on 12 October 2004, when Tamil was declared the first classical language, followed by Sanskrit in 2005. Other languages also included were Kannada and Telugu announced in 2008, Malayalam announced in 2013 while Odia was tagged in 2014.
The norms of the classical language encompass 1500–2000 years of ancient history and literary tradition, including a significant body of ancient texts that are still valued today. The language must have an independent and distinct literary heritage, not derived from any other language. Additionally, there may be a discontinuity between the classical language and its modern forms or branches, as classical language and literature remain separate from their later developments.
“The inclusion of the languages as classical languages will create significant employment opportunities, especially in the academic and research sectors. Additionally, the preservation, documentation and digitization of ancient texts in these languages will lead to significant gains in the collection, translation, publication and use in digital media. Jobs will be created.” The cabinet said in a statement.
Soon after the announcement, PM Modi said, “Our government cherishes and celebrates the rich history and culture of India. We have also been steadfast in our commitment to popularize regional languages. I am extremely happy that the Cabinet has It has been decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi and Prakrit will be given the status of classical languages! Each of them is a beautiful language, highlighting our vibrant diversity.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked PM Modi for the decision and said, “Thank you Honorable Prime Minister for this decision. Your love and affection for the Assamese language and culture is unmatched and the people of Assam will always be indebted to you for it. ” To recognize our beautiful mother tongue as a classical language.”
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, reacting to the inclusion of Marathi, said, “I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire Union Cabinet for accepting our old demand that Marathi language be given the status of a classical language.” Should go. From today, our Marathi language will be known as a distinct language. This is a day written in golden letters. Prime Minister Modi ji, when I was the Chief Minister and even now, under your leadership, Chief Minister Shinde ji continuously followed up on this issue and made efforts and also gave many evidences in this regard and today all those evidences have been accepted. And Marathi language has now become a classical language. On behalf of 12 crore people, the people of Maharashtra and the Marathi people living across the world, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi.”
Once a language is designated as a classical language, the government provides many benefits to promote its study. These include two annual international awards for scholars who have excelled in classical Indian languages. Additionally, a Center of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages has been established University Grants Commission Creation of professional chairs in central universities is encouraged to support and pursue research and education in these languages.
