Thu Oct 03 18:57:44 UTC 2024: ## India Recognizes Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali and Prakrit as Classical Languages
**New Delhi, October 3, 2024:** The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit, bringing the total number of recognized classical languages in India to eleven.
This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections and coincides with Durga Puja, the major festival in West Bengal. The recognition of Marathi, a long-standing demand since 2013, is seen as a significant political move, while the Bengali language, known for its rich literature and cultural heritage, receives this honour during a momentous time for the state.
Pali and Prakrit, crucial to India’s cultural roots, have been recognized for their contribution to spirituality, wisdom, and philosophy. These languages are renowned for their literary traditions and have deeply impacted Indian thought, culture, and history.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his congratulations to speakers of all the newly designated languages, highlighting the cultural significance of each.
The Union Culture Ministry, following the revised criteria set by the Linguistics Experts Committee, made the decision to designate these languages as classical. This move comes with various benefits, including:
* **Two annual international awards** for scholars of eminence in these languages.
* **Establishment of a Centre of Excellence** for studies in classical languages.
* **Creation of professional chairs** in Central Universities for the newly recognized classical languages.
The Ministry emphasized that this recognition will lead to employment opportunities in academic and research fields, as well as in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the news, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Central government for fulfilling this long-standing demand.
First Piper 