IT News
Imphal, Oct 4:
Leishemba Sanajaoba, Member of Parliament, expressed deep disappointment after the Union Cabinet excluded Manipuri languages from the recenlist of approved classical language status. The announcement on October 3 granted the status to Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit whereas Manipuri language was not included.
In his Facebook post, Sanajaoba wrote, “I am very EMOTIONAL & SHOCKED today.” He shared his years-long efforts to secure classical status for Manipuri but lamented that “due to lack of POLITICAL PRESSURE, LOBBY & INACTIVIE from our side, we have lost a golden chance this time.”
Despite this setback, Leishemba Sanajaoba remains determined to continue his efforts. “I will keep trying my level best to include my mother language in the status of Classical till my last day of Tenure,” he vowed, urging cooperation from all stakeholders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the decision on Twitter, praising Assamese culture’s rich literary heritage. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also hailed the announcement, calling it “one of the happiest days in my life” and stressing the importance of preserving linguistic heritage.
With this decision, the total number of Indian languages with classical status rises to eleven, including Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. This recognition is expected to enhance research, preservation, and academic study of these languages.