The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the Indian High Commission, hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ on October 23, 2024. The event celebrated India’s recent decision to grant Classical Language status to Pali. Graced by the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, and Sri Lanka’s Chief Guest, Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the event highlighted the significance of this decision for the Buddhist world.
In his inaugural address, Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, underscored the relevance of Pali in preserving the teachings of Lord Buddha. A distinguished panel of scholars, including Prof. Anand Singh from India and prominent Sri Lankan academics such as Ven. Prof. Miriswaththe Wimalagnana Thero and Ven. Dr. Deniyaye Pannaloka Buddharakkitha Thero, discussed the decision’s far-reaching implications.
The speakers praised India’s recognition of Pali, viewing it as a major step toward preserving Buddhist heritage. They expressed optimism about future collaborations between India and Sri Lanka’s academic and monastic communities, facilitated by this new status.
Monks and scholars from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal attended the event. The discussions echoed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message from International Abhidhamma Divas, emphasizing that the recognition of Pali would help maintain the purity of Buddha’s teachings, ensuring their continued transmission across generations.
