Centre Grants Classical Language Status to Five Languages

Centre Grants Classical Language Status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the conferral of ‘Classical Language’ status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This brings the total number of classical languages in India to 11, joining Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, which had previously received the designation (Press Information Bureau).

A language is accorded classical status based on its antiquity, with a recorded history of over 1,500 to 2,000 years, and a rich literary heritage. This recognition aims to preserve and promote these languages, facilitating academic research and creating employment opportunities in related fields (Press Information Bureau).

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for granting classical language status to Assamese. He stated, “Assamese is now a classical language. On behalf of the people of Assam, I extend my gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the entire Union Cabinet for the historic decision. This exemplifies the unique civilisational roots of Assam that have withstood the test of time.”

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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