Classical Language Status 'Golden Moment' For Marathi: PM Modi As He Advocates For Linguistic Inclusivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the classical language status would boost research and educational prospects worldwide for Marathi speakers. While speaking in an event in Mumbai, PM Modi emphasised the profound cultural, historical, and literary roots of Marathi, identifying it as a ‘golden moment’ for the language. He further appealed to Marathi speakers to ensure that the language reaches a global audience.

“Marathi is a historical language whose knowledge sources have guided several generations. The Marathi language showcased literature, religion, social reforms, the freedom movement etc., over the years. The culture, history, literature, and folk art are linked to the language,” the prime minister said.

Advocating for linguistic inclusivity, PM Modi underscored using technology to bridge language gaps by translating Indian languages for global reach. “It is the responsibility of every Marathi-speaking person to contribute to developing the language,” he added.

Stating the Centre’s commitment to promoting education in mother tongues, the Prime Minister highlighted that medical and engineering studies can be pursued in the Marathi language as per the National Education Policy.

He further said the BJP-led government at the Centre ensured that the operative part in court judgements is given in the mother tongue. “Language should be the vehicle of ideas,” he said.

PM Modi also said that members of Bhikkhu Sangh met him during his visit and expressed gratitude and joy over the decision of conferring classical language status to Marathi and Pali.

“Members of the Bhikkhu Sangh, Mumbai met me and expressed joy on the Cabinet’s decision to confer the status of Classical Language on Pali and Marathi. They recalled the strong connection of Pali with Buddhism and expressed confidence that more youngsters will learn about Pali in the coming times,” he said in a post on X.

Additionally, Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also shared a video of legendary singer Asha Bhosle who was addressing a gathering about the importance of Ladaki Bahin Yojana along with the glory of Marathi language.

The Centre on Thursday approved the conferral of ‘Classical Language’ status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

With this new addition, the total number of languages with Classical Language status will nearly double from six to eleven. The languages that already had this status were Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.

After a language is notified as a classical language, the Union Education Ministry provides certain benefits for its promotion, which include two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in the said languages.