The Government of India officially accorded classical language status to Bengali, Assamese, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit as part of its ongoing efforts to celebrate the diversity of India's linguistic heritage. This announcement was made during a cultural program designed to promote awareness and appreciation of regional languages in the country. The classification as classical languages is significant, as it acknowledges the antiquity and literary richness of these languages, facilitating greater recognition and support for their preservation and growth. This official stance is critical for encouraging educational institutions to include these languages in academic curriculums, along with promoting research and scholarly activities centered around them.

Bengali, known for its vast literary contributions, is famously linked to many poets and writers, including Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature. Assamese, the language of Assam, boasts a historical literature dating back centuries, while Marathi has a rich tradition of literature, theater, and culture, influencing countless works across India. Pali is revered as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, with significant texts contributing to its recognition. Prakrit languages, used historically in various scholarly texts, add to the rich tapestry of India's linguistic history.

This decision not only honors these languages but also encourages efforts to safeguard them and expand their use in education and public life. By elevating the status of these languages, the government aims to empower local populations and promote cultural pride, which can have enduring positive impacts on social cohesion and national unity.