Is Marathi the Only Mandatory Language in Maharashtra?

Synopsis

In a critical address amid municipal elections, CM Fadnavis firmly established that Marathi is the only mandatory language in Maharashtra's education system, emphasizing the importance of preserving Indian languages against foreign influences. This announcement aligns with the state's commitment to valuing its linguistic heritage.

Key Takeaways

Marathi is the only mandatory language in Maharashtra schools.

Other Indian languages will remain optional.

The government's commitment to preserving Marathi is unwavering.

Marathi has been declared a classical language by the Modi government.

Literary contributions from the Warkari sect enrich Marathi literature.

Satara, Jan 2 (NationPress) During the ongoing election period for the 29 municipal corporations, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that in Maharashtra, only Marathi is mandated.

He pointed out that the trend of prioritizing foreign languages at the expense of Indian languages is unwarranted.

Fadnavis reaffirmed that Marathi will exclusively be the required language in school education across the state.

“Other Indian languages will not be obligatory; they will be considered optional. The determination of when to introduce additional languages will follow insights from the committee led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav. Marathi is not merely a means of communication; it embodies the very essence of Maharashtra,” stated Fadnavis at the inauguration of the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All India Marathi Literary Meet).

This statement comes in response to the collaboration of the Shiv Sena UBT, headed by Uddhav Thackeray, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, founded by Raj Thackeray, which opposed the government’s initiative to introduce Hindi as a third language alongside Marathi and English from the first grade.

Following significant opposition, the government retracted its two resolutions, clarifying that Hindi is optional while Marathi remains compulsory in the state.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Marathi has always been recognized as a classical language, noting that the Modi government granted it Classical Language Status.

“We must strive to gain acceptance for this language throughout India,” he added.

While welcoming foreign languages such as English, French, and German, he stressed the need to respect our mother tongue and remain open to other languages.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Warkari sect and Saint literature in enriching Marathi literature.

“Marathi connects hearts. It embodies devotion and values,” he noted, emphasizing the responsibility of writers to guide society and uphold democratic expression in literature.

Fadnavis asserted that literature that remains true to Maharashtra’s soil, focusing on history, society, and humanity, is the true identity of Marathi literature.

He reminded attendees that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conferred administrative status to Marathi by establishing the Rajyavyavahar Kosh (Administrative Lexicon).

He reiterated the government’s dedication to the preservation of the Marathi language.

Point of View

We recognize the significance of CM Fadnavis's reaffirmation that Marathi is the only mandatory language in Maharashtra. This move resonates with the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional languages and cultures, reflecting a deeper commitment to preserving India's diverse linguistic landscape.