Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday released 55 literary works in classical Indian languages in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards preserving and promoting India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. The publications span Tamil, Odia, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and include a special Tirukkural interpretation in Indian Sign Language, reinforcing the vision of inclusive access to classical knowledge.
Wide-Ranging Scholarly Contributions
Of the 55 works released, 41 books were developed by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), while 13 books and a Tirukkural Sign Language series were brought out by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT).
The collection features important scholarly texts across Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, and Tamil, reflecting sustained academic engagement with India’s classical traditions and knowledge systems.
Indian Languages at the Core of National Identity
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Government has taken extensive measures to strengthen and promote Indian languages—from expanding the Scheduled Languages list to translating classical texts and encouraging education in Indian languages.
He observed that Indian languages have stood the test of time despite repeated historical attempts to marginalise them, and continue to remain vibrant carriers of civilisational wisdom.
Languages as a Unifying Force
The Union Minister highlighted that India is the mother of democracy and a nation of immense linguistic diversity. He emphasised society’s responsibility to preserve the country’s historical, cultural, and literary wealth and ensure that future generations remain connected to it.
He reiterated the Prime Minister’s consistent emphasis that all Indian languages are national languages, describing languages as a powerful unifying force that binds society together.
Inclusive Knowledge Through Sign Language
Shri Pradhan underlined the significance of presenting the essence of the Tirukkural in Indian Sign Language, calling it a meaningful step towards an inclusive India. He said the initiative ensures equitable access to classical knowledge for the hearing-impaired community and represents a valuable contribution to India’s intellectual and cultural literature.
Alignment with National Education Policy 2020
The Minister noted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advances the vision of education in Indian languages, strengthening cultural rootedness while fostering unity in diversity. Contrasting this approach with the colonial-era Macaulay mindset, he said Indian civilisation has always viewed languages as bridges for dialogue and cultural harmony, not barriers.
Institutions Driving Language Promotion
Shri Pradhan congratulated the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, the Centres of Excellence, CIIL, and CICT for their dedicated efforts in promoting Indian languages and classical knowledge traditions.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Vineet Joshi, Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of Education; Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti; Shailendra Mohan, Director, CIIL; R. Chandrasekaran, Director, CICT; and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
Conclusion
The release of 55 literary works in classical Indian languages, including the Tirukkural in Indian Sign Language, underscores the Government of India’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity, cultural pride, and knowledge accessibility. By placing Indian languages at the heart of education and research, the initiative strengthens India’s civilisational legacy and advances the vision of a culturally confident and inclusive nation.
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Source: PIB
