Mysore/Mysuru: Veteran writer and former Bangalore University faculty Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah said that, Kannada and all other languages that have got classical status should be included in the State and Central curricula under NEP-2020.

He was speaking at a seminar during national conference on ‘Classical Languages of India’ at CIIL on Hunsur road here recently.

Pointing out that, a total of 12 Indian languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Malayalam, Odia and Prakrit have gained classical language status, Dr. Nagarajaiah said that, the support of the people is vital for the survival of languages.

Cautioning that these languages will not survive for long if not used widely, he stressed on the need for  making all efforts for the promotion of  classical languages.

Noting that, the CIIL has been making constant efforts for introducing Kannada and other classical languages to future generations, he observed that while classical languages such as Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Odia and Malayalam are the lifeline of the people of respective States, other languages such as Sanskrit and Prakrit are on the brink of extinction. The survival of classical languages is vital for the sustenance of our ancient heritage, he added.

Utkal University Odiya Department faculty Dr. Rudranarayan Mahapatra, said that epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharatha have been published in Indian classical languages.

Pointing out that, Halegannada Kavyas and epics should come under NEP-2020, he observed that linguists must exert pressure on the Centre for this to happen.

Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia (CESCO) Planning Director Prof. Basant Kumar Panda too spoke.

Former MGR Medical University ViC Prof. P. Sudha, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) faculty Prof. B. Venkateshwarulu and JNU, Delhi faculty Prof.Ramnath Jha were present.