The Ministry of Education (MoE) has approved the establishment of five Centres of Excellence dedicated to the study of classical languages in India. These centres will focus on Assamese, Bengali, Pali, Marathi, and Prakrit languages. The initiative aims to strengthen academic research, digitisation, preservation, and dissemination of the rich heritage associated with these classical languages.
- Five Centres of Excellence will be set up at prominent universities across India.
- The languages covered include Assamese, Bengali, Pali, Marathi, and Prakrit.
- These centres will promote research, preservation, and digitisation of classical language heritage.
- Universities involved include Visva-Bharati, Deccan College, Tezpur University, and central universities of Odisha and Gujarat.
- The initiative has received positive responses from state leaders, highlighting its cultural significance.
Which universities will host the Centres of Excellence?
The five Centres of Excellence will be established at the following universities:
| Language | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Assamese | Tezpur University | Assam |
| Bengali | Visva-Bharati University | West Bengal |
| Marathi | Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute (Deemed to be University) | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Pali | Central University of Odisha | Odisha |
| Prakrit | Central University of Gujarat | Gujarat |
What are the goals of these Centres of Excellence?
The Centres of Excellence are designed to achieve several key objectives:
- Strengthen academic research in classical languages.
- Promote digitisation of manuscripts and texts to preserve them for future generations.
- Preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage associated with these classical languages.
- Disseminate knowledge and promote awareness about the importance of these languages in India's intellectual and cultural traditions.
How has the initiative been received by local leaders?
The announcement has been welcomed by regional leaders. For example, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed pride in the approval of the Centre of Excellence for Classical Pali at the Central University of Odisha. He highlighted the centre's role in preserving India's rich linguistic heritage and strengthening Odisha's contribution to civilisational knowledge.
"A proud moment for Odisha and a significant step towards preserving India's rich linguistic heritage," said the Chief Minister. "This Centre will further strengthen Odisha's contribution to preserving India's civilisational knowledge and linguistic heritage."
Why is the focus on these classical languages important?
Classical languages like Assamese, Bengali, Pali, Marathi, and Prakrit hold immense historical, cultural, and intellectual value in India. They are integral to understanding the country's spiritual traditions, literature, and civilisational knowledge. By establishing dedicated centres, the government aims to ensure these languages are studied rigorously and preserved through modern methods such as digitisation.
What impact will these Centres of Excellence have on education and research?
The Centres of Excellence will provide scholars and students with resources and infrastructure to conduct advanced research in classical languages. They will facilitate the preservation of ancient manuscripts and texts, making them accessible for study and reference. This initiative is expected to boost academic interest and promote the cultural significance of these languages both nationally and internationally.
Overall, the Ministry of Education's approval marks a significant step towards preserving and promoting India's linguistic heritage through focused academic efforts at leading universities.
