Union Cabinet Designates Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit as Classical Languages
New Delhi, 4th October 2024: On Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the designation of classical language status for Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit. This decision was made during a meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The classical language category was initially established on October 12, 2004, when Tamil was recognized as a classical language. Later, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia were also included in this classification.
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed, “Our government values and honors India’s rich history and culture. We remain committed to promoting regional languages. I am thrilled that the cabinet has decided to grant classical language status to Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit.” He emphasized that these languages reflect India’s vibrant diversity.
Highlighting the significance of Pali and Prakrit as the “roots of India’s culture,” the Prime Minister noted their connections to spirituality, wisdom, and philosophy, along with their esteemed literary traditions. “Recognizing them as classical languages pays tribute to their enduring impact on Indian thought, culture, and history,” he added.
A government statement emphasized the vital role classical languages play in safeguarding India’s rich cultural heritage, underscoring that they represent the historical and cultural achievements of various communities.
The decision was met with enthusiasm from several politicians. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were among those who praised the announcement. Shinde expressed gratitude for granting classical language status to Marathi, while Sarma thanked Modi for the recognition of Assamese.
Pradhan remarked, “Our diverse array of languages is a source of great pride and a clear testament to our civilizational heritage. Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji’s landmark decision to grant ‘classical language’ status to Pali, Prakrit, Marathi, Assamese, and Bengali is a point of pride and joy for all.”
