Will Hindi be imposed in Maharashtra? Raj Thackeray speaks out!
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Synopsis
Raj Thackeray of the MNS has strongly opposed the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language in schools. In a bold statement, he urges citizens and educators to resist what he sees as an imposition that threatens Marathi culture. His passionate call to action raises critical questions about language policy in Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- Raj Thackeray firmly opposes Hindi imposition in Maharashtra.
- The decision is viewed as a threat to Marathi culture and language.
- He encourages citizens and educators to unite against the government's policy.
- Thackeray questions the necessity of Hindi in Maharashtra schools.
- He calls for awareness of political motives behind language policies.
Mumbai, June 18 (NationPress) The chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Raj Thackeray, challenged the Maharashtra government to enforce its resolution to designate Hindi as a third language in Marathi and Hindi medium schools for grades 1 to 5, asserting that “the imposition of Hindi will not be tolerated.”
In a pointed response, Raj Thackeray remarked, “Do not attempt to impose a third language on Maharashtra. Is this effort merely a distraction from pressing state issues? I urge journalists and authors in the state to vocally oppose this resolution.”
“Should this decision be forced upon us today, the government will inevitably undermine the Marathi language in the foreseeable future. Our literature and culture will face extinction. Maharashtra will be subjugated under the dominance of the Union government.”
“Thus, I implore the people of Maharashtra to resist this decision. Every school must stand against the government’s initiative. If the government perceives this as a challenge, they should accept it. However, Hindi will not be imposed on our state.”
Raj Thackeray’s remarks followed the Mahayuti government’s announcement, which stated that while Hindi would not be a third compulsory language, any students wishing to learn another Indian language would require a minimum class size of 20, with instruction provided either in-person or online.
The MNS leader expressed strong disapproval of the Mahayuti government’s actions and inquired, “Why is the government attempting to impose the Hindi language and Hindiize Maharashtra? We must resist this imposition as much as we can.”
“We will monitor how schools in Maharashtra handle Hindi language instruction,” he stated.
He informed the media that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured him that Hindi would not be mandated as a third compulsory language.
“What third language is being taught in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, or Bihar? The Centre has indicated that state governments must determine their own policies, so why is Hindi being enforced? In Gujarat, they have clearly stated that the subjects of Gujarati, Mathematics, and English begin from the first grade. Why is it compulsory in Maharashtra?” he questioned.
“If Hindi is not compulsory in Gujarat while Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are at the helm, then why is it obligatory in Maharashtra? Hindi is optional from Class 6; why introduce it from Class 1? Are there policies to facilitate IAS officers in speaking Hindi? If the government is Marathi, it should reflect on this. I am curious to see which schools are teaching Hindi,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray sent a letter to school principals throughout Maharashtra, urging them to resist the government's attempt to impose Hindi on children, stating that it jeopardizes both the children and the Marathi language.
“The government blindly follows orders from above, but you need not succumb to this. If pressured by the government, we stand ready to support you. To cultivate well-educated, exemplary citizens who can make Maharashtra proud, one must master one state language and one global language. Why burden them any further?”
“We must recognize the political motives driving this! Those from the North aim to dominate a cultured Maharashtra, and the easiest route to achieve this is by imposing their language directly or indirectly. Do not fall victim to their political strategies,” he asserted.
Raj Thackeray further stated, “As children mature, they can learn any language according to their needs, but why impose this burden from the outset? Should you remain steadfast and counter the government’s plans, we will support you unwaveringly. However, if you inadvertently endorse the government’s hidden agenda by forcing a language upon students, regardless of their learning, my Maharashtra Sainiks will surely engage you for discussions.”
He urged the school principals to acknowledge the rising dissatisfaction in Maharashtra regarding this language imposition and concluded, “A word to the wise! What else can I say?”
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of Raj Thackeray's stance against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra. This debate touches upon cultural identity, regional pride, and the complexities of language policy in India. The voices advocating for Marathi language preservation must be heard and respected, as they reflect the sentiments of a substantial portion of the population. Balancing linguistic diversity while ensuring educational accessibility is crucial for a harmonious society.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raj Thackeray's stance on Hindi in Maharashtra schools?
Raj Thackeray strongly opposes the imposition of Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra schools, claiming it threatens Marathi culture.
What has the Maharashtra government proposed?
The Maharashtra government has proposed Hindi as a third language in schools for grades 1 to 5, but it is not compulsory.
Why does Thackeray believe Hindi imposition is problematic?
Thackeray argues that it undermines the Marathi language and culture, leading to a potential loss of identity.
What did Thackeray request from school principals?
He urged school principals to resist the government's decision and protect the interests of Marathi language education.
How did Thackeray express his concerns?
Thackeray expressed his concerns through public statements and a letter to school principals urging them to oppose the government's initiative.
