The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved giving classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali languages. This decision was taken in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Regarding this, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that this is a historic decision and this decision is in line with the philosophy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government to take our culture forward, to be proud of our heritage, to be proud of all Indian languages and our rich heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness over these languages being given classical language status by posting one after the other on ‘X’. He said that the government led by him has remained unwavering in its commitment to popularise regional languages. Expressing happiness over this decision, PM Modi made a series of posts on ‘X’ and said that all these languages are beautiful and underline the vibrant diversity of the country. Congratulating everyone for this, he said, “Our government values and celebrates India’s rich history and culture. We have also remained unwavering in our commitment to popularise regional languages.”
Describing Marathi as phenomenal and the pride of India, he congratulated the people of Maharashtra. “This honor recognizes the rich cultural contribution of Marathi to our country’s history. Marathi has always been a cornerstone of Indian heritage. I am confident that getting the status of a classical language will inspire many more people to learn it,” he said. He said Assamese culture has flourished for centuries and has given the country a rich literary tradition. “I hope this language continues to become more popular in the times to come. My congratulations,” he said.
Bengali was described as a great language.
Describing Bengali as a great language, he said it was a matter of great joy that it had been accorded the status of a classical language during the auspicious time of Durga Puja. “Bengali literature has inspired countless people over the years. I congratulate all Bengali speakers across the world for this,” he said. Describing Pali and Prakrit as languages that lie at the core of Indian culture, the Prime Minister said these are also languages of spirituality, wisdom, and philosophy. “These languages are also known for their literary traditions. Their recognition as classical languages is a recognition of their timeless influence on Indian thought, culture, and history,” he said.
“This is truly a happy moment!”
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that more people would be inspired to learn about them after the Cabinet decides to recognize them as classical languages. “This is indeed a joyous moment!” he said. The Prime Minister also praised other decisions of the Cabinet. On the Cabinet’s approval of the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, he said that this will promote ease of living in a vibrant city. Congratulating the people of Chennai and Tamil Nadu, he said, “This will help ease traffic, and improve stability and economic growth.” He said that his government is committed to the welfare of farmer brothers and sisters and in this direction, two important decisions have been taken today and PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishi Unnati Yojana have been approved. He said that this will make the farmers self-reliant and will further strengthen food security.