Indian Embassy celebrates new classical status for Bengali, Assamese, Marathi
The event in the newly refurbished auditorium featured mesmerizing performances of Bihu, Sattriya, Rabindra Sangeet, and Lavani dances by the Natyanjali group and young members of the Indian community.
• His Excellency Dr. Adarsh Swaika, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, said that classical languages serve as custodians of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestones.
The Embassy of India held an event on October 26 in the newly refurbished auditorium to celebrate the recent designation of Classical Language status for Bengali, Assamese, and Marathi.
A select gathering of representatives from these communities attended the celebration. Each of the respective speakers from these associations lauded the decision and highlighted the importance of these languages in India’s rich history. They also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this landmark decision.
Welcoming the gathering, His Excellency Dr. Adarsh Swaika, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, told the audience that classical languages serve as custodians of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestones.
The ambassador noted that the Government of India created a new category of “Classical Languages” on October 12, 2004, with Tamil being the first to receive this designation. Since then, five other languages—Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia—have been accorded the same status. He highlighted that around 60-70% of Kuwait’s one million-strong Indian community speaks these languages as their native tongue.
Speaking on the benefits of classical language status, Ambassador Swaika noted that it is not only an honor but brings several tangible benefits, including employment, educational opportunities, and cultural preservation. This status creates significant job opportunities, especially in academic and research fields.
The preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts will generate jobs in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media. In education, it may lead to the establishment of research centers and educational programs focused on these languages, as well as scholarships for students in these fields.
For cultural preservation, it promotes the documentation and safeguarding of ancient texts, ensuring they are available for future generations. Additionally, the status underscores India’s linguistic diversity, as each language embodies unique cultural narratives and historical significance. By elevating their status, the government aims to preserve and promote these rich heritages.
In conclusion, the Indian ambassador thanked the three associations from Maharashtra, Bengal, and Assam for joining and partnering with the embassy to celebrate this important development.
Mesmerizing performances of Bihu, Sattriya, RabindraSangeet, and Lavani dances by the Natyanjali group and young members of the Indian community entertained the audience with dazzling renditions, showcasing the rich cultures of Assam, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
