Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises decision to confer Classical Language status on Pali

Saturday, 26 October 2024 02:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his gratitude and appreciation to the scholars and monks in Colombo for joining in the celebration organised by the High Commission of India in Colombo to mark the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by the Government of India (GoI).

In a post via ‘X’ he noted, “Glad that the Indian Government’s decision of conferring Classical Language status on Pali has ignited a spirit of joy among those who believe in the thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha. Grateful to the scholars and monks from different nations who took part in this program in Colombo.” (https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1849299873591361982)

On 23 October the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, organised a panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ at SVCC, Colombo.

Deputy High Commissioner of India Dr. Satyanjal Pandey graced the event with Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, and Mass Media Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne as the Chief Guest. The inaugural address was delivered by Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple Dr. Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thero, followed by a panel discussion on the topic.

The panel included distinguished scholars, namely Prof. Anand Singh from the Central University of South Bihar, Bodhgaya (via video presentation), Ven. Prof. Miriswaththe Wimalagnana Thero from the Department of Buddhist Culture at the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero from the Department of Pali at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Dr. Deniyaye Pannaloka Buddharakkitha Thero from the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, and Ven. Dr. M. Sugathasiri Thero from the Department of Buddhist Studies at the University of Colombo.

The Sri Lankan scholars commended the milestone decision by the Government of India to recognise Pali as a classical language and praised this initiative, highlighting it as a reflection of India’s deep commitment to preserving and propagating Buddhist heritage and culture.