Bengali Earns Classical Language Recognition

Bengali, along with Assamese, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit, received classical language status by the Central Government. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee praised the recognition, highlighting her government's efforts in submitting supporting documents. This status promises new employment opportunities and the preservation of ancient texts.

The Central Government has accorded classical language status to Bengali, Assamese, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit, a move celebrated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She lauded her government's persistent efforts to submit necessary documentation to substantiate Bengali's claim to the status.

Banerjee expressed her satisfaction during the inauguration of the Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja in Kolkata, pointing out Bengali's global standing as the fifth most-spoken language. She underscored that the recognition was a result of years of advocacy with the Union Government, culminating in their acceptance of the meticulously compiled research findings.

The recognition is expected to create various job opportunities in academic and research sectors through preservation, documentation, and digitisation of ancient texts. The inclusion follows the 2004 decision to establish criteria for classical languages, previously bestowed upon Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.

(With inputs from agencies.)