Status of Classical Language to 5th Languages

Ministry of Culture//Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsavg20-India-2023//Posted on: 03 OCT 2024 8:31 PM by PIB Delhi

Cabinet approves status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali 

New Delhi: 03 October 2024 (PIB Delhi//Education Screen Desk)::

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages.  The Classical Languages serve as a custodian of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestone.

Point Wise Detail & Background:

The Government of India decided to create a new category of languages as "Classical Languages" on 12th October 2004 declaring Tamil as Classical Language and setting following as criteria for the status of Classical Language:

A.   High Antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a thousand years.

B.   A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generation of speakers.

C.   The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

A Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was constituted by the Ministry of Culture under Sahitya Akademi in Nov 2004 to examine the proposed languages for the status of Classical Language.

The criteria were revised in Nov 2005 as following, and Sanskrit was declared as Classical Language:

           I.  High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.

             II. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.

               III. The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

               IV.The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

The Government of India, has conferred status of Classical Languages to following languages so far:

Language                                                                 Date of Notification

Tamil                                                                                   12/10/2004

Sanskrit                                                                                25/11/2005

Telugu                                                                                  31/10/2008

Kannada                                                                               31/10/2008

Malayalam                                                                            08/08/2013

Odia                                                                                       01/03/2014

A proposal from the Maharashtra Government in 2013 was received in the Ministry requesting Classical Language status to Marathi, which was forwarded to the LEC. The LEC recommended Marathi for Classical Language. During the inter-ministerial consultations on the draft note for cabinet in 2017 for conferring classical status to the Marathi language, MHA advised to revise the criteria and make it stricter. PMO vide its comment stated that the Ministry may conduct an exercise to find out how many other languages are likely to become eligible.

In the meantime, proposal from Bihar, Assam, West Bengal was also received for conferring status of Classical Language to Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali.

Accordingly, Linguistics Experts Committee (under Sahitya Akademi) in a meeting on 25.07.2024, unanimously revised the criteria as below. Sahitya Akademi has been appointed as nodal agency for the LEC.

i.   High antiquity of (its) is early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years.

ii.  A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.

iii. Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.

iv.  The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.

The committee also recommended following languages to be fulfilling revised criteria to be considered as a Classical Language.

I.       Marathi

II.       Pali

III.     Prakrit

IV.    Assamese

V.      Bengali

Implementation strategy and targets: 

The Ministry of Education has taken various steps to promote Classical Languages. Three Central Universities were established in 2020 through an Act of Parliament for promotion of Sanskrit language. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil was set up to facilitate the translation of ancient Tamil texts, promote research and offer courses for University students and language scholars of Tamil. To further enhance the study and preservation of Classical Languages, the Centres for Excellence for studies in Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia were established under the auspices of the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru. In addition to these initiatives, several national and internation awards have been instituted to recognize and encourage achievements in the field of Classical Languages. Benefits extended to Classical Languages by the Ministry of Education include National Awards for Classical Languages, Chairs in Universities, and Centers for promotion of Classical Languages.

Major impact, including employment generation:

The inclusion of languages as Classical Language will create significant employment opportunities, particularly in academic and research fields. Additionally, the preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts of these languages will generate jobs in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.

States/districts covered:

The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally.

*****//MJPS/BM//(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2061661)

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Govt. Strict for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions

Posted on: 21 SEP 2024 at 5:28 PM by PIB Delhi// Ministry of Education//Azadi ka Amrit mahotsavg20-india-2023

Issued Joint Advisory to States/UTs for Effective Implementation

Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health also issued Guidelines and Manual

New Delhi: 21st September 2024: (PIB Delhi//Education Screen Desk)::

In a significant move to combat tobacco use among youth, the Secretaries of the Union Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have jointly issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories. The advisory, addressed to Chief Secretaries, calls for the rigorous implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) manual, in line with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 in educational institutions.

This joint advisory, signed by the Secretaries of the Department of School Education, the Department of Higher Education, and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, underscores the alarming effects of tobacco consumption, particularly on children and adolescents. It draws attention to the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, which revealed that 8.5% of school students aged 13 to 15 in India consume tobacco in various forms. Of particular concern is the fact that over 5,500 children in India begin using tobacco every day. Moreover, 55% of lifelong tobacco users initiate the habit before the age of 20, with many adolescents turning to other addictive substances as a result.

The advisory emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders to safeguard young people from the dangers of tobacco addiction. The goal is to protect future generations by raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use and promoting tobacco control measures within educational institutions.

As part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, released the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines for safeguarding minors and youth from tobacco and electronic cigarette use. Further, the Department of School Education and Literacy has developed and launched the ToFEI Implementation Manual on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) in collaboration with Socio Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS). The Department issued the manual on 31st May 2024 to all States/UTs for compliance.

The ToFEI manual serves as a key resource for educational institutions to implement these anti-tobacco measures effectively. The manual outlines the following objectives:

i.    More awareness about the harmful effects and long-term health impact of tobacco use amongst the students, teachers, workers and officials in educational institutions;

ii.   Awareness about various avenues available for tobacco cessation;

iii.  A healthy and tobacco-free environment in educational institutions and all educational institutions becoming tobacco-free; and

iv.  Better implementation of legal provisions regarding the sale and use of tobacco products, especially those related to educational institutions, public places, statutory warnings and minors.  

The advisory encourages educational institutions including schools at all levels, colleges for higher or professional education and universities, both in the public and private sector to adopt the ToFEI manual and guidelines as a comprehensive guide to safeguard the health and well-being of students.

Through collaborative efforts, the government aims to reduce tobacco use among children and prevent future generations from falling prey to addiction. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will work closely with state and district-level officials to ensure these measures are effectively implemented in educational institutions.

URL to access the Implementation Manual for ToFEI Manual: https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/update/im_tofel.pdf

URL to access the ToFEI Guidelines:

https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/assets/document/TEFI-Guidelines.pdf

*****//SS/AK//रिलिज आईडी: 2057347) 

New initiative to refresh the memories of Jaspal Bhatti

Monday12th August 2024 at 4:30 PM

His statue will be unveiled on 14 August, 2024

Chandigarh: 12 August, 2024: (KK Singh//Education Screen Desk)::

There was an era of Janaab Jaspal Bhatti Sahib. That era never returned after his departure. His laughter was not just a joke. It was not just a joke either. He did not hurt anyone by making fun of them but he brought out the evils that had entered the society in such a way that big scandals like scams were exposed in a laugh. The person listening or watching his presentation did not just laugh but was forced to think something very seriously. Only Jaspal Bhatti Sahib knew how to make his viewers and listeners think about the reasons for the sad condition of the society without saying anything bitter or without speaking any harsh words. This was his great quality.

Perhaps his hidden motive was to awaken a thought, not worry about reality. He used to awaken consciousness in bursts of laughter. He would not talk of sorrow, nor cry, nor discuss any grief, but would very gracefully expose the reasons that cause pain to society. His candid style was visible even when he used to draw cartoons in a famous English newspaper long ago. People used to wait for the newspaper every day to see the message of his cartoon.

The management of PEC i.e. Punjab Engineering College (Deemed University) has taken the initiative to refresh his memories.

Punjab Engineering College Old Students Association (PECOSA) of the renowned Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh is going to organize a special inaugural ceremony of the Bust of Padma Bhushan Awardee Shri Jaspal Bhatti on 14th August, 2024 from 4:00 PM onwards, outside the PEC Auditorium to remember, honour and celebrate the esteemed Engineer, alumni of Electrical Engineering batch of 1978, legendary Indian Television Personality. 

The honorable Director, PEC, Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar Bhatia would graced this auspicious ceremony as chief guest, along with Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kanda (Head, Alumni, Corporate and International Relations) shall be the Guest of Honour on this occasion. This whole event is organized by Er. Teekam Chandar Bali (President, PECOSA) and Er. H.S. Oberoi (Gen. Secretary, PECOSA). This evening would be fully dedicated to our esteemed alumnus Er. Jaspal Bhatti and his life. 

This much awaited event would be graced by his friends, other alumni, faculty members and current batch of Students. 

CME on "Oncology Update"

Saturday 10th August 2024 at 6:10 PM

Organized by IMA Ludhiana in association with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute

Ludhiana: 10th August 2024: (The Education Screen Bureau)::

IMA Ludhiana in association with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer institute and research Centre organised CME on "Oncology Update" on 09/08/2024 at IMA House, BRS Nagar Ludhiana.This educational program was well attended by  doctors of the city.

Speakers for the day were Dr Jaskaran Singh Sethi and Dr K. M. M. Vishvak Chanthar who made attendances aware about the newer project the CyberKnife and techniques in managing various cancers in females.

Dr  Manoj K Sobti, past state president IMA & member Punjab Medical Council and Dr Harpreet Singh, Dr Jaspal Singh and Dr Atul Mishra were the Chairperson.

Dr Manoj Sobti emphasized about the importance in keeping oneself aware about the newer updates in the field of medical science to excel in the field and for the betterment of the patients

Dr Pritpal Singh, President IMA Ludhiana welcomed the Speakers and the Chair persons.

Dr Rohit Rampal, Secretary IMA Ludhiana conducted the proceedings of the day.

Dr Karmvir Goyal Member Punjab medical council announced two creditors for this event.

Among other present were - Dr Sunil Katyal, President IMA Punjab, Dr Gaurav Sachdeva Dr Bimal Kanish, Dr P S Jassal, Dr Avinash Jindal, Dr Jugjit Singh, Dr MS sethi, Dr Manakaran, Dr Junish Bagga, Dr Manbir Khurana, Dr Sahil Bassi, Dr Sagar Bassi, Dr Dhiren Bassi and others

An orientation programme by Doaba Group of colleges

Thursday 8th August 2024 at 2:55 PM

The universe also helps those who work hard with dedication-Manjit Singh

Kharar (Mohali): 8th August 2024: (Education Screen Bureau)::

An orientation programme was organized by the group for the new students taking admission in various courses in Doaba Group of Colleges. The main objective of this programme was to make the new students aware of the rules of Doaba Group, to familiarise them with the internal structure of the group and to adapt them to the new environment. The programme started by reciting Sri Sukhmani Sahib Ji in the campus and then praying to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj for the success of Doaba Group. After this, Doaba Khalsa Trust President HS Bath, Managing Vice Chairman SS Sangha, Management members Mr. KS Bath, Madam Ramanjit Kaur Bath and Group Executive Vice Chairman Sardar Manjit Singh lit the lamp.

Later, Dr. HS Bath, President, Doaba Khalsa Trust welcomed the new students and emphasized the need for positive attitude and enthusiasm to reach the goal along with regular studies. He appealed to the students to plant as many trees as possible and save Mother Earth. After this, the directors and principals of various colleges of Doaba Group addressed the students and gave information about various courses and curriculum. On this occasion, the students who secured first, second and third positions in the last semester were honored by the group. Not only this, the alumni working in the prestigious companies of the group shared their experiences with the freshers while remembering their college days and said that nothing is possible without hard work.

Addressing the students present at the end of the program, Sardar Manjit Singh said that in the 25-year journey of Doaba Group, Doaba Group has provided job placement to thousands of students. Almost every company from all over the world has visited Doaba Group of Colleges. During this, he told the names of different companies and also told the total number with figures that how many students have been given jobs by Doaba Group in which company. 

Motivating the students, he further said that if people do something with a desire, then the whole universe starts helping them in fulfilling that desire, provided the person should have hard work and honesty to achieve that thing. In this way, this program organized for the students became memorabl

UNESCO announces 15 awards for young researchers

These young researchers working in biosphere reserves

संकेतक फोटो

UNESCO News: 8 July 2024: (UNESCO//Education Screen Desk)::

UNESCO continuously encouraging young researchers. Now another happy news came regarding this. UNESCO announced 15 awards for young researchers. All these 15 young researchers are from different locations.

On 4 July, the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme presented 15 young scientists from 11 countries with awards of up to US$5,000 each to support their research projects.

Marine mammals : one white swimming above a submerged one in Valdes Biosphere Reserve, Argentina

The Principality of Monaco is funding seven of these awards again this year for research projects with a focus on marine, island and coastal issues. On 5 July, the Man and the Biosphere Programme’s Council decided to name these grants the “MAB Young Scientist Awards - Prince Albert I of Monaco” in honnor of his contribution to ocean exploration and science.

MAB Young Scientist Awards:

The winners are, in alphabetical order:

Maryury Yorleny Aleman Avilez, Honduras

She will be documenting the use of natural resources in Cacique Lempira, Señor de las Montañas Biosphere Reserve and how it affects the economy of Indigenous Peoples. She will also attempt to document the ancestral knowledge of these communities.

Blaise Binama, Rwanda

He will be studying invasive plant species in forests that have been recently restored or are still undergoing restoration in Gishwati-Mukura Biosphere Reserve. The lack of knowledge of these invasive species is hindering restoration efforts. He also plans to suggest strategies for controlling invasive plant species that minimize the environmental impact and operational costs.

Julia Cristina Garcia, Brazil

She will be analysing the diversity and geographical distribution of academic research targeting the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and will identify trends, patterns and knowledge gaps. She will also be analysing the impact of this research on the Brazilian network and the Sao Paulo City Green Belt Biosphere Reserve to inform policies and recommendations for biosphere reserve management.

Saleem Haddad, Jordan

His focus will be on the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves Network. He will assess the effectiveness of management of biosphere reserves in the network, the effect of decisions made by the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere programme on the evolution of individual biosphere reserves and the opportunities for cooperation between biosphere reserves and related challenges.

Brinda Kashyap, India

She will be addressing the various challenges that rhinoceros populations face in Manas National Park, a World Heritage site, when it comes to their conservation. Using geospatial data, future land cover simulations and socio-economic impact assessments, she will develop a habitat suitability model for rhinoceros populations that will include scenarios for the future impact of climate change on the rhinoceros’ habitat and conservation needs. 

Xenabeth Lazaro, United States of America

She will be studying the behaviour of sub-Antarctic bats in Cabo de Hornos Biosphere Reserve in Chile to fill knowledge gaps about bat species in the southern hemisphere. Notably, her findings on the bats’ interaction with local communities on Navarino Island will help stakeholders to identify habitats to prioritize for conservation and aid them in determining which trees to conserve and which to designate for logging purposes.

Faith Vihenda Obwoyere, Kenya

She will be assessing conflicts between humans and wildlife in Mount Elgon Biosphere Reserve and whether there are land-use practices and seasonal climatic variations which affect the intensity of these conflicts between local communities and primates and/or elephants. Her research will provide essential evidence-based knowledge for conflict management.

Pascal Sibomana, Rwanda

He will be updating the plant inventory in Gishwati–Mukura Biosphere Reserve and initiating the first baseline reference library of genomic data for 100 rare and threatened plants in the biosphere reserve. This reference library should serve as a model for other national parks in Rwanda, including the Volcanoes Biosphere Reserve.

GCG's student Mehak Bansal did another amazing feat

Monday 8th July 2024 at 2:52PM

She came fourth in the university-a wave of happiness in GCG

Ludhiana: 8th July 2024: (K.K. Singh//Education Screen Desk)::

Government College for Girls in Ludhiana is one of the very old colleges. It is a matter of good fortune to get admission in this college. By studying in this college, many girls have achieved personal success in the struggle of life, while they have also brought laurels to the family and the country many times.

In connection with similar achievements, another good news has come from this college. A student of the B.Com. department of Government College for Girls, Ludhiana gave a brilliant performance in the sixth semester university results.

A student of Government College for Girls, Ludhiana once again demonstrated her talent in the B.Com. final semester examinations conducted by Punjab University, Chandigarh. Mehak Bansal secured fourth position in the university. Principal Mrs. Suman Lata appreciated the hard work and dedication of the students. She congratulated the Head of the Department Mrs. Sarita Khurana and other teachers of the department for their tireless efforts and hard work. She blessed the students to achieve similar achievements in the future.

There is a wave of happiness in the college due to this news.