Assam celebrates recognition of Assamese as classical language

On October 3, 2023, the Central government of India officially recognized Assamese as a classical language, a significant milestone for the linguistic heritage of the nation. This decision was made by the Union Cabinet, which also included the recognition of Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit as classical languages. Assamese, with a rich history of over a thousand years, meets the criteria for this classification, which requires a documented ancient literature and originality spanning 1,500 to 2,000 years. The recognition of Assamese is celebrated by various leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who expressed his joy and emphasized the importance of preserving the language as a vital link to Assam's cultural and historical roots. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted this decision as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to promoting Indian languages and their heritage. This classification is expected to enhance academic research, cultural preservation, and linguistic studies, ensuring that these languages remain relevant in contemporary society. The move is seen as a way to honor the contributions of Assamese saints, thinkers, and writers throughout history. With this recognition, Assamese joins the ranks of six other languages already classified as classical, including Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. This landmark decision not only celebrates the Assamese language but also reinforces India's linguistic diversity and cultural richness.