Classical Languages of India

Recognizing the vital role languages play in preserving cultural heritage and fostering understanding, the Indian government has started bestowing 'Classical Language' status to antique languages originating in India with a rich literary heritage. These six languages include Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Kannada and Odia. There are also special awards and University Professorship in Central Government universities for the eminent scholars in these languages. There are some other languages like Pali and Meiti for which efforts are being made to have them included as Classical Languages in India.

Beyond simple communication, languages carry the richness of culture, traditions, and unique knowledge systems of communities. Unfortunately, globalization and our colonial past often leads to English being used as the dominant language. This has led to loss of our local languages as people forget how to speak them generation after generation. English dominates education due to its perceived link with jobs and success, further accelerating this homogenization. Many educators are unaware of the benefits of bilingualism, making it even harder for local languages to thrive. Recognizing this threat, the Indian government has taken steps to protect its classical languages.

In 2004, the Government of India started according the status of 'Classical Languages of India' (Shastriya Bhasha). These include 6 languages- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Kannada and Odia. The aim is to ensure promotion, visibility and strengthen these invaluable heritage before they are lost forever. Other benefits are also given including international awards for Eminent Scholars of the Classical Lanauge, setting up 'Centre of Excellence for Studies in that Classical Language' and also Professorship for eminent scholars in Central Universities.

• National Translation Mission (NTM): Aims to make higher education accessible to all by translating academic texts to the 22 languages of the Eighth Schedule. Innovation is expected as modern terminologies will be invented in traditional languages through translation.
• Special Centralised Universities & Departments: e.g. Central Sanskrit University, Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (KHS), National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), New Delhi. Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysoreworks, Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai etc.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Uptill class 5, it should be attempted to maintain medium of instruction as mother tongue only. For this, books in local language will be provided and teachers are encouraged to be bilingual in imparting education.
• Technical Languaged in Mother Tongue: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has issued guidelines permitting technical education institutions to offer their courses in local languages.
• SWAYAM MOOCS portal: Provides books in regional languages for technical subjects
• DIKSHA portal: Books for school Classes 1 to 12 in 33 Indian languages and also in Indian Sign language.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence:
  • AICTE Automation Artificial Intelligence Tool has been developed to translate English language online courses into 11 Indian languages.
  • Bhashini: Used by the government to provide digital services in 121 local languages in India.

The 6 Classical Languages are the ancient heritage of India which have been recognised from 2004 onwards. This tag has revived interest and discussions in these languages giving recognition to its Eminent Scholars and also providing opportunity to teach and spread information about these languages. There is diverse knowledge in these ancient texts which we need to preserve. With their recognition as a Classical Language, there is incentive for people to pursue the study of these languages are a career path.

India ranks 14th in the world in the Linguistic Diversity Index which indicates that there is large diversity in mother- tongues of people in the country. It means that, in India, there are high chances that your and my primary language are different. Hence, there are many languages which we are all speaking and to understand eachother better there is need to preserve, promote and translate these texts.

Concerted efforts by the Indian government to accord classical status to languages and implement initiatives such as the National Translation Mission, establishment of specialized universities, and the inclusion of mother tongue instruction in the National Education Policy reflect a forward-thinking approach to language preservation. The path ahead involves not only protecting ancient languages but also innovating and adapting them to contemporary needs. By fostering a culture of appreciation for linguistic diversity, India can not only safeguard its rich heritage but also stand as a beacon of linguistic inclusivity in the globalized world.