The Indian Embassy in Lima, Peru, recently held a cultural celebration to honor the Government of India’s designation of Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit as classical languages. This status, which raises India’s classical language count to eleven, brings increased global attention to these languages and promotes academic support and cultural engagement.
Indian Ambassador Vikas Sapkal addressed attendees, highlighting the Indian government’s commitment to fostering linguistic diversity through research funding and preservation efforts. The Lima event showcased cultural performances from Assamese, Bengali, and Marathi communities, underscoring these languages’ rich histories and roles in Indian literature and heritage. Over 100 guests, including members of the Indian community and distinguished Peruvians, joined in the celebration.
For Guwahati, this milestone is expected to create new opportunities, especially for Assamese. Local leaders and cultural organizations see the designation as a potential boost for cultural tourism, academic exchanges, and international partnerships. They anticipate that this recognition will attract interest from language scholars, investors, and cultural enthusiasts, positioning Guwahati as a key center for Assamese language promotion, thereby enhancing the region’s economic and cultural profile on the global stage.
