MarathiLanguage – Maharashtra Government Pushes Marathi as Language of Growth
MarathiLanguage – The Maharashtra government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Marathi not only as a cultural symbol but also as a language that supports economic growth and employment opportunities. Speaking at a special event in the state Legislative Assembly to mark Marathi Language Gaurav Day, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde outlined a series of policy measures aimed at expanding the role of Marathi across sectors.
Policy Steps to Strengthen Marathi
Addressing the gathering at the program titled “Jave Vinodka Gaon,” Shinde said the government is working on concrete initiatives to preserve and promote the language. These include updating and expanding encyclopedic content in Marathi, organizing literary conferences, and encouraging wider use of Marathi in government administration.
He emphasized that the objective is to ensure that Marathi is not confined to literature and tradition but becomes an active medium in business, governance, and employment. According to Shinde, efforts are underway to improve policy frameworks so that Marathi can serve as a practical working language in various economic activities.
Dignitaries Attend Assembly Event
The event witnessed the presence of several senior leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, and Deputy Chairman Neelam Gorhe. Ministers, legislators, and other public representatives were also in attendance.
The program was coordinated by a team led by Kedar Shinde, Hrishikesh Joshi, Prabhu Desai, and Dhanashree Damle.
Language as Identity and Heritage
In his address, Shinde described Marathi as a timeless stream carrying centuries of cultural heritage. Referring to noted poet Kusumagraj, he paid tribute to saints, writers, scholars, teachers, and researchers who have enriched the language over generations.
He stated that Marathi remains deeply woven into Maharashtra’s identity and should continue to thrive in both traditional and modern spaces. Stressing the importance of mother tongue education, Shinde said learning and scholarship in Marathi must receive renewed attention.
Expanding Marathi in Economy and Administration
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that the state has consistently followed up with the central government on matters related to granting Marathi greater recognition. He added that the focus now is on ensuring that the language finds meaningful space in administrative processes and commercial use.
Among the government’s plans are translating high-quality Marathi literary works into other languages to broaden their reach, increasing official communication in Marathi, and creating pathways for income generation linked to the language. Shinde called upon citizens to contribute collectively to these efforts, saying that sustained progress requires participation from all sections of society.
Embracing Technology and Dialect Diversity
Highlighting the role of technology, Shinde said Marathi has adapted to changing times, including its growing presence on digital platforms and social media. He pointed out that the language’s strength lies in its diversity, referencing regional dialects such as Khandeshi, Malvani, Konkani, and Varhadi.
He encouraged the effective use of available resources to further enhance Marathi’s national and global visibility.
New Knowledge Initiatives and Global Outreach
The government is currently updating entries in existing encyclopedias while also developing specialized editions, including children’s, youth-focused, and Olympic-themed encyclopedias in Marathi. In addition, the World Marathi Literature Conference is being positioned as a platform to connect Marathi-speaking communities across the globe and promote the language internationally.
Celebrating Humour and Cultural Spirit
The event also showcased the rich tradition of Marathi humour through the “Jave Vinodka Gaon” program organized ahead of the Assembly session. Shinde referred to the distinctive comedic styles of Acharya Atre and P. L. Deshpande, noting that the ability to find humour even during difficult times reflects a unique cultural trait.
Concluding his speech with an emotional note, Shinde reaffirmed his dedication to advancing the legacy of Marathi with renewed energy. He urged citizens to work together to ensure that the language continues to flourish within India and beyond, extending his greetings on Marathi Language Gaurav Day.