Guwahati, 4th October: In a landmark decision, the Indian government has officially granted classical language status to Assamese, marking a significant moment in the recognition of Assam’s linguistic and cultural heritage. The announcement, made on October 3, was met with widespread celebration across the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his congratulations to the people of Assam, highlighting the importance of the decision. Taking to Twitter, Shah said, “The Assamese language, enriched with a vibrant structure of literature and an endless treasure of words, is renowned for its resilience. Today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my Assamese brothers and sisters on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s decision to honor Assamese as a classical language.” He also tweeted in Assamese, acknowledging the language’s depth and beauty.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound gratitude to the central government for the recognition. He responded to Shah’s message on social media, saying, “Endless thanks and gratitude to the Honorable Union Home Minister. The people of Assam are grateful today for this historic decision.” Sarma also celebrated in Assamese, calling it a day of immense pride for Assam.
The decision came as part of a broader move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, which also granted classical status to Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit, reflecting India’s rich linguistic diversity. PM Modi praised Assamese culture’s longstanding contribution to India’s literary legacy, expressing his hopes for the language’s continued prominence.
Chief Minister Sarma called the recognition one of the “happiest days” of his life, emphasizing that it further strengthens Assam’s civilizational roots. He noted that the decision ensures the preservation of the state’s ancient wisdom, traditions, and literary contributions, which have endured through centuries.
The new status is expected to provide additional support for the promotion and preservation of the Assamese language, further solidifying its place in India’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape.
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