Why is it in news?
- The Union Education Minister has released 55 volumes of literary works in classical Indian languages — including Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil — along with a sign-language series of the Tirukkural by Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
- The release is part of a national initiative to promote India’s linguistic heritage, led by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) and the Central Institute of Classical Tamil.
Relevance
- GS-1 | Indian Heritage & Culture — Classical Languages, Literature, Civilisational Legacy
- GS-2 | Governance — NEP 2020, Cultural Policy, Inclusion & Accessibility
Facts & Data — What was released?
- Total works released: 55 volumes
- 41 works developed by CIIL Centres of Excellence
- 13 books + sign-language Tirukkural series from the Central Institute of Classical Tamil
- Languages covered: Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil
- Formats included:
- Literary texts, translations, and scholarly works
- Indian Sign-Language Tirukkural series to expand accessibility
Key Literary Works & Highlights
- Tamil: Tirukkural (including sign-language edition), Silappathikaram, Nannool translations and classical commentaries
- Malayalam: Works such as Purananooru, Pathuppattu
- Odia: Classical literature including Charyapada and Madalapanji
- Kannada & Telugu: Classical and medieval texts, translations, linguistic documentation
- Focus on revival, preservation, and wider access to ancient and medieval Indian literature
Purpose & Policy Linkages
- Aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasis on
- Indian languages, knowledge systems, cultural heritage
- Inclusion of classical texts, translations, and linguistic diversity
- Promotes languages as a “unifying force” and bridge for dialogue and harmony
- Strengthens research, translation, and public accessibility to classical literature
Why this matters ?
- Cultural preservation: Institutional support for classical and regional literary traditions
- Academic value: Expands research resources for linguistics, literature, and history
- Inclusive access: Sign-language editions promote linguistic accessibility
- Soft power & identity: Reinforces India’s civilisational heritage and linguistic diversity
11 Classical Languages Recognised by the Government of India
- Tamil
- Sanskrit
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Odia
- Marathi
- Pali
- Prakrit
- Assamese
- Bengali
