Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan releases 55 literary works developed by classical language centres

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) officially released 55 volumes of literary works in classical Indian languages like Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil, along with a sign-language series of the Tirukkural by Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.

Mr. Pradhan said that this was a “part of our larger national effort to place India’s linguistic heritage at the centre of education, research and cultural pride”.

A government statement said that of these literary works, 41 books were developed by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL). In addition, 13 books and the sign language series of Tirukkural have been brought out by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil.

Vision of inclusive India

While releasing the works, Mr. Pradhan said, “The inclusion of the essence of the Tirukkural in sign language empowers the vision of an inclusive India, where access to knowledge is ensured for all.” Mr. Pradhan emphasised the role of language as a “unifying force”, noting that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “always” stressed how all Indian languages were national languages.

Mr. Pradhan also posted independent messages on social media hailing the launch of these books in their respective languages.

In one such post in Tamil, the Union Minister said that the released books had six Malayalam translations of Sangam-period books like Purananooru, Pathitrupathu, Pathuppattu, and later period books such as Nanmanikkatigai, Nanarpattu, and Muthollayiram. A Telugu translation of Silappathikaram, one of the five great epics, is also included in this.

Mr. Pradhan added that Tamil and Hindi versions of Tamil Nadu Ramar Thirukkoyils, which serve as a document of the 64 Rama temples in Tamil Nadu; Tamil Nadu Mara sculptures, which compile and study the wood carvings in temples; Sangam Literature Dictionary; Akananuru Akaramuthali – Verb Words; Akananuru Akaramuthali – Noun Words, including 6 research books, were also among the 13 books published by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil.

In another post about the works released in Odia, Mr. Pradhan said this was a “proud moment for the world of Odia literature and culture”. He noted how works like Charyapada and Madalapanji will create a “new introduction to the rich vocabulary of the Odia language”, also mentioning how the English and Hindi translations of these works will “help bring Odisha’s history and philosophy closer to non-Odia readers.”

The Education Minister said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the Union Government had worked “extensively to strengthen and promote all Indian languages”, citing measures like including more languages in the scheduled list, translation of classical texts into Indian languages, and encouraging education in Indian languages.

‘Example of unity in diversity’

He said that the National Education Policy of 2020 advances this vision of education in Indian languages, and that India continued to be a “vibrant example of unity in diversity”. He said, “In contrast to the Macaulay (Thomas Babington Macaulay) mindset of the colonial era, Indian civilisation has always regarded languages as bridges for dialogue and cultural harmony.”

“Indian languages have stood the test of time despite the attempts to destroy them. India is the mother of democracy and a country of immense linguistic diversity, and it is the responsibility of society to ensure that the nation’s historical, cultural, and literary wealth is preserved and that future generations are made aware of it,” Mr. Pradhan said.