National conference to strengthen Indian languages: Javadekar

Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Prakash Javadekar, on Monday, said that the ministry will host a national conference to chalk out plans to strengthen Indian languages.

Addressing a gathering during the inaugural ceremony of the new premises for the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada, the minister said, in order to prepare a three-year action plan and a vision document for the development of all 22 Indian languages in the next 15 years, all language experts and premier institutions will be brought under one umbrella.

"The outcome of the conference will be considered to strengthen, protect and to preserve the languages. The CIIL authorities should launch online language courses to make the citizens learn more number of languages. We have beautiful languages, which are essential for the growth and development of the country. CIIL has been playing a significant role in preserving the languages. However, there is a long way to go ahead. The government will extend all necessary support to the CIIL for the development of the languages," he said.

With the retaining of the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK) in Mysuru, the city has become a hub as it has both CIIL and the centre, he said and lauded the University of Mysore (UoM) for providing space to house the centre.

Javadekar released 'Bala Ramayana' books, translated into 17 Indian languages on the occasion. Remaining five works in different languages will be released soon.

UoM in-charge Vice-Chancellor C Basavaraju and CIIL Director D G Rao exchanged the memorandum of understanding for the centre. Former vice chancellor Chidanandagowda and writer Kalegowda Nagawara were present.