1. The Central government designated Assamese and four other languages as classical on October 3.
2. PM Modi’s cabinet approved Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit for classical status.
3. This decision highlights India’s rich linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Guwahati, Oct 04: The Central government has officially designated Assamese as a classical language, along with four others, marking a significant milestone on October 3 that showcases India’s linguistic diversity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet approved the inclusion of Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit in the prestigious classical languages category.
PM Modi expressed his joy on Twitter, emphasizing that Assamese culture has flourished for centuries and has contributed substantially to India’s rich literary heritage.
He expressed hope that the language would gain even more popularity, congratulating all those involved in this achievement.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also celebrated the news, calling it “one of the happiest days of my life.” He tweeted, “This exemplifies the unique civilizational roots of Assam that have withstood the test of time.”
Last night, I had the privilege to speak to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji. On behalf of the people of Assam, I conveyed our collective gratitude to the Government of India for according Assamese the status of Classical Language. It goes without doubt that for…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 4, 2024
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Sarma highlighted the importance of this recognition, stating, “We will better preserve our beloved mother tongue, which unites our society and connects us to the ancient wisdom of Assam’s saints, thinkers, writers, and philosophers.”
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, underscoring Modi’s commitment to Indian languages.
The newly classified languages join six others that have already been recognized as classical: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
This classification holds significance beyond symbolism; it paves the way for academic research, cultural preservation, and linguistic study. The move is expected to enhance efforts to maintain and promote these languages, ensuring their continued relevance in contemporary India.
Sarma expressed gratitude to Modi for his “relentless efforts to secure Bharat’s Heritage,” reflecting the sentiment that this decision transcends mere language classification.
