Embassy of India 
Muscat

Press Release

***

Celebration of Classical Language Status for Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit

Embassy of India in Muscat celebrated the historic conferral of Classical Language Status on Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit by the Government of India. This special event was organized to honor the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of these languages, which have contributed immensely to India’s literary, historical, and intellectual traditions.

2. In his remarks, H.E. Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, appreciated the decision, mentioning, "It is a proud moment for every Indian, as the recognition of Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit as Classical Languages acknowledges their immense contribution to our nation's heritage. Today, we celebrate not just the languages, but the people, literature, and traditions they have nurtured over centuries."

3. The event featured a series of cultural performances by the Marathi, Bengali, and Assamese communities of the Indian diaspora in Oman. Through traditional dances, music, and artistic displays, each community highlighted the richness of their linguistic and cultural heritage, offering a vivid celebration of their identities.

4. Representatives from the Marathi, Bengali, and Assamese communities expressed their gratitude to the Government of India, emphasizing how this recognition strengthens their cultural pride and reaffirms the importance of preserving their linguistic heritage. They also presented letters of appreciation to the Ambassador, addressed to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, acknowledging the government’s efforts in promoting the cultural and linguistic diversity.

5. The event underscored the strong cultural ties between India and Oman and reaffirmed the role of the vibrant and diverse Indian community in maintaining its cultural identity abroad.

21 October
Muscat