On Manipuri missing Classical language bus Disappointing, says RS MP

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 4: The Central Government not recognising Manipuri as a classical language is disappointing and unfortunate, said Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba today.
His statement came a day after the Union Cabinet recognised 5 new languages as classical languages.
The 5 languages include Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.
There are now a total of 11 languages classified as classical languages.
The 6 other languages which already exist as classical languages include Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia.
Speaking at an award presentation cum felicitation ceremony held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today, Leishemba Sanajaoba said the first thing he did as a Member of Parliament was to press for the recognition of Manipuri as a classical language.
Five new languages have now been classified as classical languages and Manipuri language has been excluded due to lack of political pressure and support. This is an opportunity lost for Manipur, he said.
The five languages which have been given the recognition are all deserving. Manipuri language also meets all the criteria to be recognised as a classical language. The effort to recognise Manipuri as a classical language will continue, Leishemba said.
The felicitation ceremony saw 25 personalities in Art and Culture awarded and honoured with National and international awards.
Bahujana Shahitya Academy (BSA) (National Committee of India) Manipur, Celin Degital Imphal, Veyil Foundation Bengaluru, and Ghyanratana Shahitya Academy, Manipur branch organised the event.
Celin Digital Manipur State president chairman Dr Phanjoubam Lanajit Singh, Manipur University of Culture Vice Chancellor, Prof Paonam Gunindro Singh, Dept of Surgery JNIMS Professor of Urology Dr Sholay Kangjam attended the event.