Dharmendra Pradhan interacts with scholars of 5 newly classified classical languages

NEW DELHI: The Union minister for education, Dharmendra Pradhan, interacted with scholars representing five newly recognized classical languages: Prakrit, Pali, Marathi, Bangla, and Assamese. The event was attended by Chamu Krishna Shastry, chairman of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti; M Jagadesh Kumar, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC); along with various academicians, scholars, and officials from the ministry.

During the interaction, scholars expressed their gratitude to prime minister Narendra Modi for the inclusion of these Indian languages in the classical languages list. The scholars also extended their support towards promoting and enriching these languages.

During the event, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the government is making comprehensive efforts to promote education in Indian languages while also celebrating, honoring, and safeguarding the country’s linguistic heritage, in accordance with the objectives of NEP 2020.

Promotion of learning in Indian languages

While speaking at the event, Pradhan highlighted that Narendra Modi has always stated that every language in the country is an Indian language. He affirmed that the government is taking comprehensive measures to enhance and promote education in all Indian languages. Additionally, he expressed his commitment to supporting learning in native languages while fostering multilingualism with equal focus on all Indian languages, including efforts to enhance their presence on the international stage.

Also read Cabinet approves classical language status to five languages, including Marathi, Bengali

Furthermore, Pradhan remarked that the essence of India is reflected through its languages. He added that the government is actively working on establishing a global presence for Indian languages.

‘Bhasha Gaurav Week’ celebrations in Assam

Assam is set to observe "Bhasha Gaurav Week" from November 3 to November 9 following the recognition of Assamese as a classical language. Ranoj Pegu, the state’s education minister, announced about the Bhasha Gaurav Week in a post on X, emphasizing that the week-long celebration will focus on promoting Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam.

The Union Cabinet on October 3 approved the conferment of classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi.