India, Sept. 16 -- In a landmark move to safeguard India's rich linguistic and cultural traditions, the University of Mumbai (MU) has established its first-ever Centre of Excellence in Heritage Languages and Cultural Studies at the Kalina campus. The union government has approved nearly Rs.50 crore in funding for the initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram scheme.

The foundation stone for the centre was laid on Monday by Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, in the presence of MU vice-chancellor prof Ravindra Kulkarni, senior officials from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and other dignitaries.

Prof Kulkarni underlined the centre's mission, stating, "It will focus on research, stud...