Bengali Language Receives Classical Status in India

In a historic move, the Indian government has granted classical language status to Bengali, along with four other languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese. This decision was approved during a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 4, 2024¹.

The recognition of Bengali as a classical language is a testament to its rich literary and cultural heritage, which spans over 1,500 years. This status not only acknowledges the historical significance of the language but also ensures its preservation and promotion through various government initiatives².

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated, "This is a historic step in preserving India's rich cultural heritage. The decision is based on rigorous scientific research and historical data. We will continue to apply the same criteria for recognizing other languages in the future"¹.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight on social media, saying, "Our government is committed to highlighting India's rich history and culture. We are dedicated to popularizing regional languages. I am thrilled that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit have been granted classical language status. These languages are unique and bear witness to our extraordinary diversity"².

The criteria for granting classical language status include a language's antiquity, a rich body of ancient literature, and a distinct identity that has evolved over time. With this recognition, the central government will take several measures to promote and propagate these languages, including the establishment of dedicated chairs in central universities and the announcement of national awards¹.

This recognition is expected to boost the cultural pride of Bengali speakers and contribute to the preservation and growth of the language for future generations.