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CHENNAI, INDIA, May 29, 2004: Not many know that Tamil, states this report, which is to be accorded classical language status by the Indian government, is even older than Sanskrit, often dubbed the language of the Gods. However, it is unique in that it is a living language spoken by around 66 million people all over the world, mostly in India and Sri Lanka. People here are watching whether recognition of Tamil as a “classical language,” as promised in the Common Minimum Programme of the new government in New Delhi, will help promote it as a modern language. “Tamil is older than Sanskrit and it has always been the demand of Dravidian parties to officially declare it a classical language. We are very happy,” said Communications and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran of the DMK.



HPI adds: From brief research on Google, it appears only Sanskrit is presently designated a “classical language” of India, though additional information would be appreciated.

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