Guwahati, 4th October: In a historic recognition of Assam’s linguistic and cultural heritage, the Assamese language has been officially designated as a classical language by the Central government. The announcement, made on October 3, has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm and pride among the people of Assam.
Reacting to the landmark decision, Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah expressed the significance of the recognition, stating, “When my mother language receives national importance, it is a proud moment for all of us. Our mother language is like our child.” He emphasized that the recognition not only honors the language but also celebrates the people who speak it.
This decision places Assamese alongside four other languages—Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit—that were also granted classical status in an effort to highlight the linguistic diversity of India. The move underscores the nation’s respect for its rich cultural and literary history.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced his excitement on social media, praising Assamese culture’s longstanding contributions to India’s literary tradition. He expressed hope that the recognition would further popularize the language in the years to come.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared his elation, describing it as “one of the happiest days of my life.” He remarked on Twitter, “This exemplifies the unique civilisational roots of Assam that have withstood the test of time.” Sarma joined thousands across the state in celebrating the historic moment, viewing it as a significant boost to the promotion and preservation of Assam’s heritage.
The inclusion of Assamese as a classical language is seen as a triumph for the region’s cultural pride, bringing widespread joy and renewed efforts to promote the language nationally.