Assamese, Bengali, Marathi among 5 to get classical language status

NEW DELHI: Union cabinet on Thursday approved granting classical language status to Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
The classical language category was first created on Oct 12, 2004, when Tamil was declared a classical language. Subsequently, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia were added to the list.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Our govt 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." Modi said each of them were beautiful languages, highlighting India's vibrant diversity.
Recognising Pali and Prakrit as the "roots of India's culture", the PM said these languages were associated with spirituality, wisdom and philosophy, and were renowned for their literary traditions. "Their recognition as classical languages honours their timeless influence on Indian thought, culture and history," he added.
A govt statement highlighted the importance of classical languages in preserving India's deep cultural heritage, noting that they embodied the essence of each community's historical and cultural achievements.
The decision was welcomed by several politicians. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan were among those who hailed the move. Shinde hailed the decision to confer classical language status to Marathi and thanked the PM. Sarma also expressed gratitude to Modi for the Centre granting the status to Assamese.
Pradhan said, "Our rich tapestry of languages are a source of immense pride and are a lucid testimony of our civilisational wealth. Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji's historic decision to confer 'classical language' status to Pali, Prakrit, Marathi, Assamese and Bengali is a matter of pride and joy for all."