Education
India to recognise Farsi as a classical language under New Education Policy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced a significant step to strengthen cultural ties, declaring that the Government of India has decided to include Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy.
“The government of India has decided to include Farsi as one of the nine classical languages of India in our New Education Policy,” Jaishankar said, emphasising the cultural, literary, and linguistic links between Iran and India. Jaishankar, who is visiting Iran for two days, made this statement during a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, H Amir-Abdollahian on Monday.
This recognition shows a commitment to enhancing greater awareness and respect for Farsi’s rich legacy within the Indian educational framework. Tamil was the first language in India to be given classical language status in 2004. Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia are the other languages that have been granted classical languages in India by the central government. “In addition to these classical languages Pali, Persian, and Prakrit; and their works of literature too must be preserved for their richness and for the pleasure and enrichment of posterity,” as per India’s National Education Policy-2020.
Jaishankar and Amir-Abdollahian discussed the political and economic aspects of their bilateral relations during the press conference, highlighting the diverse nature of the diplomatic engagement. “The foreign minister and I specifically focused on its political and economic aspects, but naturally there were other domains as well,” the EAM said. The ministers acknowledged the strength of people-to-people contacts and the deep cultural, literary, and linguistic ties that bind the two nations.
“Our people-to-people contacts have long been a strength. Iran and India are united by our deep cultural, literary, and linguistic ties, which create a unique foundation for increasing exchanges of tourists, students, artists, athletes, and scholars. We discussed how we can better link our cultural and educational institutions,” Jaishankar said, underlining the potential for improved cooperation in various fields.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s interest in using Iran’s strategic geographical position to access markets in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Eurasia, addressing the issue of regional connectivity. The ministers looked for opportunities to boost economic ties and enhance regional connectivity for mutual benefit.
(Source- ANI)