The Union Cabinet today gave its approval
for classifying Odia as classical language.
This
will give impetus to scholarship in this language.
The following benefits are available for
languages which are declared as classical languages: -
i.
Two major annual international awards for
scholars of eminence in the concerned language.
ii.
A 'Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical
Languages' can be set up.
iii.
The University Grants Commission can be
requested to create, to start with at least in Central Universities, a certain
number of professional chairs for classical languages, for scholars of eminence
in the concerned language.
Background:
There has been a demand that Odia, which is one
of the oldest languages and has no resemblance to Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali,
Telugu, etc., be declared as a classical language.
So far Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam
have been declared as classical languages.
****
SC/VK