Classical Language Status for Marathi: Ruling and Opposition hail union cabinet’s decision

SANJAY JOG

In the run up to the ensuing assembly election in Maharashtra, the union cabinet approved the state government’s long pending demand to accord a Classical Status to the Marathi language. Ruling and Opposition parties have welcomed the Centre’s decision.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hailed the union cabinet’s decision. ‘’Finally My Marathi got the status of Classic Language. A fight was successful. For this, the Maharashtra government had continuously pursued with the Centre. We are thankful to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Many Marathi speakers, thinkers, language scholars, writers and critics helped in this work. Thank you very much!’’

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre for according the Classical Language status to Marathi language.? ‘’A historic and golden day. Very proud moment! We are fortunate to speak Marathi, truly blessed to hear Marathi. Religion, creed, caste, one knows Marathi. In this world, Marathi is considered a mother.’’

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also hailed the union cabinet’s decision. Marathi speaking people and the Marathi language lovers all over the world are happy with the union cabinet’s historic decision to accord a Classical Language status to Marathi language. It was the demand of Maharashtra for the last several decades. Due to this decision, the glorious history of Marathi language and rich cultural splendor will reach all over the world. It will help Marathi language to become a language of knowledge and a language of wealth. For taking this proud decision for Maharashtra, I sincerely thank the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire union cabinet. Congratulations and best wishes to all the people of Maharashtra, Marathi speaking people and Marathi language lovers,’’ he said in his post on X.

The Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar said today is a happy day for the whole of Maharashtra as Marathi, a mother tongue has attained the status of a Classical Language. He however, mentioned that the proposal to grant the status of classical language to Marathi language was pending with the central government for the last 10 years.

‘’During the coalition government in Maharashtra, the then Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had submitted an expert committee report on Marathi language to the Centre recommending to accord the status of a Classical Language to Marathi. A committee of Marathi language experts and researchers was established on January 10, 2012 under the chairmanship of senior writer Ranganath Pathare. The committee conducted research and submitted a report to the state government. It is clear that election defeat is the only thing that makes the central government to take this decision. Today our mother tongue (Mayboli) has got a place of honor because of the fear of defeat in the elections, the wait of ten years is over today,’’ remarked Wadettiwar.

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Ambadas Danve said that on the eve of assembly elections, Marathi language got the status of a Classical Language. ‘’Thinker William Gladstone's saying 'Justice delayed is justice denied' is apt. At least three generations of Marathi people were pressing the demand.The generations, institutions, organizations, writers who fought for this, it is their victory. The fight will continue for Marathi language to benefit from this status,’’ he added.

The Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe thanked the union cabinet and PM Narendra Modi, concerned ministers and departments. ‘’This is a step in direction for the growth of Marathi language,’’ she added.

Earlier, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post on X said, ‘’ Marathi is India’s pride. Congratulations to this phenomenal language being accorded the status of a Classical Language. This honour acknowledges the rich cultural contribution of Marathi in our nation’s history.? Marathi has always been a cornerstone of Indian language. I am sure with the status of a Classical language, many more people will be motivated to learn it.’’

The union minister of road Nitin Gadkari said, ‘’Under the chairmanship of PM Narendra Modi the Union Cabinet has granted Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit the prestigious status of Classical Languages. This historic decision reinforces the government's dedication to preserving and promoting India’s diverse linguistic heritage. Modi government to celebrate our rich cultural legacy and remains committed to popularizing regional languages. Heartfelt congratulations to everyone!’’