Eternal echoes of Assamese: A triumph for linguistic heritage

Dipak Kurmi

(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)

Language is the essence of civilization, the bridge connect- ing  generations, and the foun dation upon which history, culture, and traditions are immortalized. As the world observes International Mother Language Day on February 21st, the significance of linguistic identity and preservation takes center stage, reinforcing the need to safeguard indigenous tongues and promote multilingual education. Established by UNESCO in 1999, this occasion honors linguistic diversity and commemorates the sacrifices made in the struggle for linguistic rights. This year’s celebration gains even more significance with the historic recognition of Assamese as a Classical Language of India, a monumental achievement that affirms its rich literary and historical legacy.

A Historic Recognition: Assamese Joins the Classical Pantheon

In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has bestowed the prestigious Classical Language status upon Assamese, marking a significant milestone in the linguistic and cultural history of India. This recognition follows years of dedicated efforts to secure formal acknowledgment of Assamese’s profound contributions to literature and civilization. The announcement, a direct response to Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s formal appeal, was met with immense jubilation across the state, signifying a proud moment for its people and scholars.

The inclusion of Assamese among India’s Classical Languages places it alongside Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, highlighting its historical depth and cultural richness. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Assamese’s centuries-old literary traditions, while Chief Minister Sarma hailed the recognition as a defining moment in Assam’s cultural history. This official recognition not only ensures the safeguarding of Assamese but also pays homage to the saints, philosophers, and poets who have shaped its intellectual landscape over generations.

The Road to Classical

Language Status

The recognition of Assamese as a Classical Language is a testament to its linguistic antiquity and vast literary heritage. The criteria for Classical Language designation, established by the Indian government, require a language to possess high antiquity of early texts spanning over a thousand years, a rich and valuable literary tradition, and a unique linguistic evolution distinct from other borrowed influences. Over the years, scholars and linguists have provided compelling evidence of Assamese meeting these criteria, particularly through its inscriptions, literary texts, and historical documentation.

The journey of Assamese from ancient inscriptions such as the Umachal and Nagajari Khanikar village edicts of the 5th century to the medieval literary works of Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev illustrates its enduring presence. The literary corpus of Assamese, including the Charyapada (Buddhist mystical verses), the 14th-century Ramayana translation by Madhav Kandali, and the Vaishnavite texts of the Bhakti movement, solidifies its claim as a language of deep antiquity and cultural importance. The Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) recognized these historical contributions, leading to its well-deserved inclusion among India’s Classical Languages.

Implications of the

Recognition: A Cultural and Academic Renaissance

Beyond its symbolic significance, the Classical Language status of Assamese brings forth tangible academic and cultural benefits. The recognition paves the way for extensive research opportunities, leading to the establishment of dedicated research centers specializing in Assamese linguistics, literature, and cultural studies. It facilitates the preservation of ancient texts through digitization, ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate Assam’s literary heritage. Moreover, the designation allows for national awards, scholarships, and research grants to promote Assamese studies at universities and academic institutions.

The impact of this recognition extends beyond academia. The establishment of cultural institutes similar to the Central Institute of Classical Tamil may further bolster Assamese language studies. Additionally, the recognition opens doors to economic opportunities in translation, publishing, digital archiving, and heritage conservation, fostering a renewed appreciation for Assamese in modern academia and media.

A Legacy of Struggle: The Assamese Language Movement

The recognition of Assamese as a Classical Language is the culmination of a long-standing struggle for linguistic rights, deeply rooted in colonial history. The imposition of Bengali as the official language of Assam in 1836 by British authorities led to a sustained movement demanding the reinstatement of Assamese. The struggle bore fruit in 1872 when Assamese regained its official status, yet the challenges to its linguistic identity persisted.

Post-independence, the Assamese language continued to be at the forefront of socio-political debates. The Assam Official Language Act of 1960 declared Assamese as the state’s official language while safeguarding the rights of linguistic minorities. However, linguistic identity remained a crucial issue, influencing immigration policies, employment opportunities, and cultural preservation initiatives. The latest recognition as a Classical Language affirms Assamese’s rightful place in India’s linguistic heritage, reinforcing its enduring legacy.

International Mother Language Day: A Global Call for Linguistic Preservation

The global observance of International Mother Language Day is intrinsically linked to the language movement of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), where students sacrificed their lives on February 21, 1952, in their fight for the recognition of Bengali as an official language. Their sacrifices eventually led to the recognition of Bengali in 1956, and in 1999, UNESCO designated February 21st as a day to celebrate linguistic diversity and multilingual education.

With over 7,000 languages spoken globally and nearly 40% at risk of extinction, linguistic preservation remains a pressing issue. The themes for International Mother Language Day in 2024 and 2025 emphasize intergenerational learning through multilingual education and commemorate the 25th anniversary of this global initiative. The recognition of Assamese as a Classical Language aligns with these global efforts, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding linguistic diversity for future generations.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the prestige of the Classical Language status, Assamese faces contemporary challenges posed by globalization, digital media, and the dominance of English as the preferred medium of education. The proliferation of private schools favoring English has contributed to the diminishing prominence of Assamese in academic and professional spheres. Moreover, a lack of study materials in Assamese for competitive examinations like UPSC and APSC further marginalizes the language in higher education.

Efforts must be intensified to promote Assamese as a viable medium of instruction at all educational levels. The recommendations of the Kothari Commission (1967) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to prioritize mother tongue education should be actively implemented to sustain Assamese as a vibrant language of learning. Additionally, digital initiatives, media representation, and policy interventions must work in tandem to ensure the continued growth of Assamese in the modern world.

A Celebration of Linguistic

Identity and Diversity

The recognition of Assamese as a Classical Language is more than a validation of its historical and literary significance—it is a powerful affirmation of its resilience. Assam’s rich linguistic tapestry, interwoven with its historical chronicles, mystical literature, and cultural traditions, stands as a testament to the enduring power of language. As the world commemorates International Mother Language Day, Assam’s triumph serves as an inspiration for linguistic communities striving for recognition. Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is the soul of a people, a vessel of their identity, and a bridge to their future. By embracing linguistic diversity and championing mother tongue education, we can ensure that our cultural heritage remains vibrant and everlasting. The conferment of Classical Language status upon Assamese is not just a nod to its past but an investment in its future. It is a clarion call to preserve, nurture, and celebrate linguistic identities worldwide. As we step into the Silver Jubilee celebration of International Mother Language Day in 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to the languages that define us, ensuring they continue to echo through eternity.