Thu Oct 03 19:28:03 UTC 2024: ## Bengali Officially Recognized as Classical Language: West Bengal Celebrates

Kolkata, West Bengal – In a momentous decision, the Union Cabinet has officially recognized Bengali as a classical language, a move met with joy and celebration across the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who actively campaigned for the recognition, expressed her delight, stating that the state government had submitted extensive research to support their case. “We had been trying to snatch this recognition from the Ministry of Culture,” she wrote on X, “and we had submitted three volumes of research findings in favor of our contention.”

The Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, also lauded the decision, calling it a “deservedly great recognition of the sublimity of the Bengali language.” In recognition of the achievement, Bose announced the ‘Durga Bengal Award,’ a ₹5 lakh prize to be awarded to an institution or individual who has significantly contributed to Bengali language and culture.

The decision has been welcomed across political lines. State BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar called it a “historic moment for the Bengali community,” while Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the decision aligns with the NDA government’s philosophy of celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.

The government statement emphasized the potential for increased employment opportunities in academic and research fields following this recognition.

The inclusion of Bengali, along with Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese, as classical languages underscores the government’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of India.

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