New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's decision to confer classical language status to Bengali comes as a historic milestone as it acknowledges and applauds the richness and cultural significance of Bengali, said a group of eminent citizens comprising professors, scholars, educationists and more.

In a joint statement, close to 100 leading luminaries and public personalities have expressed gratitude to PM Modi government and termed this as a right tribute to a language that has thrived for over a millennium.

Among the noted educationists and academics include Professor Bibek Debroy – Economist, Sanskrit Scholar & Author, Professor Dilip Kumar Chakrabarti – Padma Shri, Eminent Historian & Professor Emeritus, University of Cambridge, Dr Ashok Kumar Lahiri – Economist, Author, Former Chief Economic Advisor, Ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee IFS (retd) – Former Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands and President, Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukherji IFS (retd) – India’s Former Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Celebrating the October 3 announcement, the eminent personalities and scholars' decision highlighted the contributions of icons such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, and Kazi Nazrul Islam, who have shaped the legacy of Bengali literature and thought.

"Our heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the Acharya of Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, through whose sincere efforts the status of the classical language has been conferred on the Bengali language. We come together to laud this historic decision," said the group of eminent citizens, many of whom are also Vice-Chancellors of Universities and IIT professors.

"Bengali literature has inspired countless people over centuries. The sweetness of this language touches our hearts. With the passage of time the Bengali language has also integrated dimensions of other languages within itself, its scope has expanded. Bengalis across the world are delighted with this historic decision of the Government of India," they said.

Their statement emphasises the importance of Bengali in India's national and cultural heritage, with the national anthem also being composed in the language. It notes how Bengali literature has deeply influenced generations with its lyrical and literary power, blending elements from other languages over time.

It was on October 3 that the Union Cabinet approved the recognition of five languages as classical including Bengali, Assamese, Pali, Prakrit and Marathi. These languages joined the ranks of 6 others already recognised as classical languages - Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.

Bengali holds a significant place in the cultural and linguistic history of the country as its deep-rooted history and vibrant literary tradition played an essential role in reflecting the diverse and rich tapestry of Indian identity.