Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on January 6, 2026, launched 55 new publications as part of efforts to promote India's rich literary heritage and classical languages. The releases, brought out by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), include 41 literary works, 13 titles focused on classical languages, and a unique 45-episode sign language interpretation series of the ancient Tamil text Tirukkural. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to preserving and disseminating classical knowledge in accessible formats, including for the hearing-impaired community through the innovative sign language adaptation of this timeless work.

The Tirukkural, authored by the revered Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar over two millennia ago, is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of ethical literature. Comprising 1,330 couplets (kurals) divided into three sections—Aram (virtue/ethics), Porul (wealth/politics), and Inbam (love)—the text offers profound insights into moral conduct, governance, and human relationships. Its universal appeal has led to translations in numerous languages worldwide. The new sign language series represents a pioneering step toward inclusivity, making the wisdom of Tirukkural available to the deaf community in India and reinforcing the principle that all Indian languages hold national status.

The launch follows closely on the heels of another significant release by the minister on January 5, 2026, when he unveiled a compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day addresses delivered from the Red Fort between 2014 and 2025, translated into Urdu. This collection highlights the government's focus on multilingual outreach and documenting key national milestones. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader push under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to revitalize classical languages—such as Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia—while promoting literature that embodies India's cultural diversity.

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The 55 new books and the sign language series are expected to be made available through educational institutions, libraries, and digital platforms to reach a wide audience. The move has been welcomed by scholars and linguists as a significant contribution to the preservation of India's classical legacy and the promotion of inclusive education. The releases coincide with ongoing efforts to integrate classical knowledge into modern curricula and foster greater appreciation for India's ancient literary traditions.

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