Guwahati, Oct 4: The Central government has officially recognised Assamese as a classical language, along with four others, highlighting the nation’s linguistic diversity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet approved the addition of Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit to the prestigious category of classical languages on Thursday.

Taking to X, PM Modi expressed his immense delight regarding 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,” he said.

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

PM Modi also highlighted that Assamese culture has thrived for centuries and contributed to a rich literary tradition. “I am immensely delighted that Assamese will now get the status of a Classical Language after this was approved by the Union Cabinet. Assamese culture has thrived for centuries, and it has given us a rich literary tradition. May this language continue to become even more popular in the times to come. My congratulations,” he wrote on X.

I am immensely delighted that Assamese will now get the status of a Classical Language after this was approved by the Union Cabinet. Assamese culture has thrived for centuries, and it has given us a rich literary tradition. May this language continue to become even more popular…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 3, 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his elation, calling it “one of the happiest days in my life.” He said the decision will help to better preserve the Assamese language that not only unites the society but also forms an unbroken link to the ancient wisdom of Assam’s saints, thinkers, writers and philosophers. He further stressed that the recognition represents the unique civilisational roots of Assam that has withstood the test of time.

“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 of languages to enjoy this status. This exemplifies the unique civilisational roots of Assam that has withstood the test of time. With today’s decision we shall be able to better preserve our beloved mother tongue, that not only unites our society but also forms an unbroken link to the ancient wisdom of Assam’s saints, thinkers, writers and philosophers. Given the sacrifices our generation has made to protect the Assamese language and culture, today is one of the happiest days in my life. Once again my heartfelt thanks to Adarniya Modi Ji, for his relentless efforts to secure Bharat’s Heritage,” he wrote on his handle on X.

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

The newly classified languages join six others already recognised as classical: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.

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