Bengali, Marathi Among 5 Languages Granted ‘Classical’ Status by Centre

New Delhi: The Union government on Thursday granted the classical language status to five more Indian languages: Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit and Assamese, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced during a media briefing on Thursday.

With this recognition, the number of classical languages in India has risen to 11, joining Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia, which were previously granted the status.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his views on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating the decision. “Our Government 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! Each of them are beautiful languages, highlighting our vibrant diversity. Congratulations to everyone,” he posted.

Our Government 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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 3, 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also thanked PM Modi and the Union government for recognising Assamese as a classical language. In his post, Sarma called it a “historic decision” that honours the civilisational roots of Assam, helping preserve the state’s mother tongue.

ASSAMESE IS NOW A CLASSICAL LANGUAGE

On behalf of the people of Assam, I extend my gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and the entire Union Cabinet for the historic decision to accord Assamese the status of Classical Language. Assamese joins a select group… pic.twitter.com/bIsMRfU0NB

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 3, 2024