Grant of Classical Language Status to 5 Languages Underlines this Commitment:G Kishan Reddy

The Government of India remains steadfast in its commitment to the preservation, promotion, and development of India’s rich linguistic heritage. Addressing a press conference today, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the government’s vision for a developed India by 2047 and highlighted the pivotal role of languages in cultural development and national unity. He said that with immense diversity in languages is a unique model in the world, where languages are not merely tools for communication but invaluable repositories of knowledge, culture, and traditions.

Historically, languages have often been at the center of political interests, with attempts to suppress regional languages limiting people’s freedom of expression. For instance, in 1835, Macaulay’s policies sidelined classical Indian languages, promoting English as the medium of education and emphasizing European knowledge systems. Recognizing the historical challenges, the government has consistently worked towards preserving and protecting regional languages, viewing them as powerful instruments of empowerment and personal expression, said the Minister. As Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said, "Language is not merely a medium of expression but the soul of our culture", minister said.

Shri Reddy said that the inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution has been a significant step in this direction. Initially, the Eighth Schedule included 14 languages, which has now expanded to 22, reflecting India’s diversity. In 1967, Sindhi was added to the Eighth Schedule and Atal Bihari Vajpayee eloquently expressed his solidarity by stating, "I speak Hindi, but Sindhi is my mausi (maternal aunt)." Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in 1992. Later, under Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government in 2003, the government reiterated its staunch support for development of India’s regional languages and included Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali languages through an amendment introduced by the then Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advani. Addition of Santhali, showed government’s commitment and respect towards tribal culture and values.