Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that the Indian government’s decision to confer Classical Language status on Pali has sparked joy among followers of Bhagwan Buddha. In a post on his X account, Modi expressed gratitude to the scholars and monks who actively participated in a recent conference in Colombo.
During the Colombo conference, Buddhist scholars and monks from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh welcomed India’s initiative.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) organized a panel discussion titled “Pali as a Classical Language,” which featured Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner of India, and Ranjith Ariyaratne, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddha Sasana, as the Chief Guest.
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As the discussions unfolded, speakers emphasized Pali’s significance in conveying the teachings of Lord Buddha. Sri Lankan scholars praised India’s decision, viewing it as a strong commitment to preserving and promoting Buddhist heritage.
The panelists further highlighted that recognizing Pali as a classical language will encourage collaboration between the monastic and academic communities in India and Sri Lanka, paving the way for further research and study of the language.
Reiterating PM Modi’s message from the International Abhidhamma Divas on October 17, the discussions stressed that granting Classical Language status to Pali will help maintain the purity of Buddha’s teachings of peace, compassion, and human welfare, ensuring their transmission for future generations.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, recently approved the recognition of Classical Language status for Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This initiative aims to safeguard India’s rich linguistic heritage and cultural legacy, with Pali’s recognition underscoring its literary significance and historical importance.
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