Education Ministry to Launch 5 Centres for Classical Languages
Ministry of Education approves five new Centres of Excellence to research and preserve Classical Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit.
In a major move to preserve India's ancient linguistic heritage, the Ministry of Education has officially approved the establishment of five new Centres of Excellence (CoEs). These specialized institutions will focus on the deep study and preservation of five significant classical languages: Classical Assamese, Classical Bengali, Classical Marathi, Classical Pali, and Classical Prakrit.
Strengthening India's Linguistic Heritage
The initiative aims to provide robust institutional support for advanced academic research and the digitisation of ancient literary works. By creating these dedicated hubs, the government intends to ensure that the profound knowledge contained within these classical texts is not lost to time but is instead made accessible to scholars and the public alike.
The Ministry has strategically selected five premier Higher Educational Institutions across different states to host these prestigious centres:
- Classical Assamese: Tezpur University, Assam
- Classical Bengali: Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal
- Classical Marathi: Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Maharashtra
- Classical Pali: Central University of Odisha, Odisha
- Classical Prakrit: Central University of Gujarat, Gujarat
Four Pillars of Research and Preservation
The newly formed Centres of Excellence will operate with a clear mandate, focusing on four primary pillars to ensure the longevity of India's textual history:
- Advanced Academic Research: Providing dedicated platforms for scholars to engage in high-level linguistic and academic study.
- Documentation and Digitisation: Supporting the preservation of linguistic and literary resources through modern digital means to conserve India's rich textual heritage.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Facilitating wider access to the traditions and wisdom associated with these classical tongues.
- Regional Strengthening: Strengthening the higher education ecosystems within Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Gujarat.
This strategic move reinforces the government's commitment to protecting the nation's diverse linguistic identity while simultaneously elevating Indian higher education institutions into world-class hubs for specialized research and scholarship.