Ministry of Minority Affairs Establishes Centres of Excellence to Promote Heritage & Classical Languages
SDG 4: Quality Education | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Institution: Ministry of Minority Affairs
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has announced support for setting up Centres of Excellence at universities across India to preserve, study, and promote heritage and classical languages under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme. One such centre, a Centre for Jain Studies, has been approved at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, with an allocation of βΉ27.16 crore.
At a national seminar on βJainism and Indian Knowledge Systemβ held at DAVV, officials emphasised the role of digital tools, AI, and modern research methodologies in documenting, digitising, translating, and disseminating classical manuscripts and philosophy.
Previously, the Ministry had already supported Centres of Excellence at University of Mumbai (for Pali, Prakrit, Avesta Pahlavi) and Gujarat University (for Prakrit languages). These centres are intended to function as academic hubs for translation, digital archiving, manuscript preservation, critical research, and integration of traditional knowledge with modern dissemination methods.
This move strengthens cultural and linguistic diversity by institutionalising academic infrastructure for minority and classical languages. The emphasis on AI and digital methods signals a future-ready approach to heritage preservation. It aligns with national efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, support minority knowledge systems, and use technology to widen access and scholarship.
What is PMJVK & Centre of Excellence for Classical Languages? β PMJVK (Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram) is a programme under the Ministry of Minority Affairs aimed at improving basic infrastructure in minority-concentrated areas, including educational initiatives. Under this, Centres of Excellence for Heritage & Classical Languages are university-based institutions dedicated to scholarly research, digitisation, manuscript preservation, translation, language teaching, and integration of heritage knowledge systems with modern technology and pedagogy.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can these Centres be sustained with long-term funding, ensure scholarly quality, and link with global networks to boost classical language revival and research?
Full release: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2178448