Is Our Breath Truly Marathi as We Connect Mumbai with the World?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asserts the importance of Marathi culture as he defends the government's initiatives to promote the Marathi language and improve law enforcement in Mumbai. In a passionate address, he emphasizes the state's commitment to fostering Marathi identity while addressing pressing societal issues.
Key Takeaways
- Eknath Shinde affirms the importance of Marathi identity.
- Initiatives to promote Marathi language and culture are underway.
- Women’s safety measures include dedicated police cells and helplines.
- Significant steps are being taken against child abuse and LWE activities.
- Marathi people are encouraged to return to Mumbai.
Mumbai, July 18 (NationPress) Amid the persistent debate over the implementation of Hindi as a medium of instruction from grade one, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated in the state council on Friday that “our breath is Marathi and we are connecting Mumbai with the world.” He dismissed accusations from Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray regarding attempts to isolate Mumbai from Maharashtra, emphasizing that Mumbai will forever belong to Maharashtra.
Shinde reminded Thackeray that during his own tenure as chief minister, the Cabinet had approved a report from a high-powered committee advocating that Marathi should be a mandatory subject from grade 1 to 12 alongside Marathi and English.
In response to motions made by opposition parties last week, Shinde remarked: “We are realizing the vision of Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray by establishing a Marathi University in Riddhapur. We are also setting up a Sant University for Warkaris and constructing a grand building dedicated to the Marathi language in south Mumbai. Additionally, a sub-centre for the Marathi language is being built in Airoli, Navi Mumbai. Our administration has ratified the Marathi language policy. The central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recognized Marathi as a classical language.”
“Every year, a World Marathi Conference is held to promote the Marathi language globally. Plans are underway to establish a poetry village in each district. The government has also initiated a state song in Marathi and is committed to welcoming back those Marathi individuals who have left Mumbai,” he added.
Shinde countered the opposition's claims regarding the decline of law and order in the state, asserting that the government has implemented numerous initiatives to uphold public safety, which have proven effective.
To combat sexual violence and crimes against women, he revealed that Women's police cells have been set up at all police commissionerates and Superintendent of Police levels, with each police station receiving Rs 1 lakh from the Nirbhaya Fund.
A dedicated helpline operates round the clock for women, and cases of violence against women are expedited through 27 special courts.
“The government has ordered the creation of 138 fast track courts for cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). Currently, 20 POCSO and 12 fast track special courts are in operation. A toll-free helpline (1098) has also been initiated for reporting child abuse. Thus far, 196 arrests have been made in Operation Black Face for distributing inappropriate videos of minors,” he stated.
Shinde also mentioned that 1,060 Bangladeshi infiltrators have been apprehended to date, with 365 citizens deported. He noted that Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) activities have been curtailed, with 22 Maoists arrested in 2023, 19 in 2024, and 13 until May 2025. Last year saw the deaths of 28 Maoists during operations, including eight key leaders, while seven more Maoists were killed by the end of May.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of local languages and cultures in a diverse nation like India. Eknath Shinde's emphasis on Marathi identity reflects a broader movement to strengthen regional pride while addressing pressing issues. The state's commitment to improving law enforcement and language policies showcases a balanced approach that respects both tradition and progress.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What initiatives has Eknath Shinde announced for the Marathi language?
Eknath Shinde has announced several initiatives including establishing a Marathi University, constructing a grand Marathi language building in south Mumbai, and starting a poetry village in every district.
How is the government addressing women's safety?
The government has set up Women's police cells at all police commissionerates, provided funding through the Nirbhaya Fund, and established a 24x7 helpline for women.
What measures are being taken to combat crimes against children?
The government has initiated 138 fast track courts for POCSO cases and launched a toll-free helpline for reporting child abuse.
What has been done to control Left-Wing Extremism in the state?
The government has arrested several Maoists and has taken significant steps to reduce LWE activities in the region.
What is the significance of the World Marathi Conference?
The World Marathi Conference aims to promote the Marathi language globally and strengthen its cultural presence.
