Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in Abhijat Marathi language program in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Prime Minister’s Office

Posted On: 05 OCT 2024 8:50PM by PIB Delhi

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the Marathi language has officially been granted the status of a classical language by the Central Government. Shri Modi emphasized the significance of this moment, describing it as a golden milestone in the history of the Marathi language as he acknowledged the long-standing aspirations of Marathi-speaking people and expressed delight in contributing towards fulfilling Maharashtra’s dream. The Prime Minister also congratulated the people of Maharashtra and expressed his pride in being part of this historic achievement. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced that Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese have also been granted the status of classical languages and extended his congratulations to the people associated with these languages.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the history of Marathi language has been very rich and the streams of knowledge that emerged from this language have guided many generations, and they continue to guide us even today. He added that using Marathi, Sant Dnyaneshwar connected people with the discussion of Vedanta and Dnyaneshwari reawakened the spiritual wisdom of India with the knowledge of Geeta. Shri Modi also highlighted that Sant Namdev strengthened the consciousness of the path of devotion using Marathi, likewise, SantTukaram launched a religious awareness campaign in Marathi language and Sant Chokhamela empowered the movements for social change. “I bow down to the great Saints of Maharashtra and Marathi language”, said Shri Modi. He added that the classical status accorded to Marathi language meant that the entire country honors Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his 350th year of coronation. 

The Prime Minister highlighted the invaluable contribution of the Marathi language in India’s fight for independence and noted how several revolutionary leaders and thinkers from Maharashtra used Marathi as a medium to create awareness and unite the masses. He said that Lokmanya Tilak shook the very foundations of foreign rule with his Marathi newspaper, Kesari and his speeches in Marathi ignited the desire for Swaraj in the hearts of every Indian. He underlined that Marathi language played an important role in advancing the fight for justice and equality and recalled the contributions of other luminaries, such as Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, who through his Marathi newspaper Sudharak led a campaign for social reforms, reaching every household. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was another stalwart who relied on Marathi to steer the freedom struggle towards its goal. 

Shri Modi emphasized that Marathi literature is India’s priceless heritage preserving the stories of our civilization’s growth and cultural progress. He noted that Marathi literature played a vital role in spreading the ideals of Swaraj, Swadeshi, mother tongue and cultural pride. He highlighted that during the freedom movement, initiatives like the Ganesh Utsav and Shiv Jayanti celebrations, the revolutionary thoughts of Veer Savarkar, the social equality movement led by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the women’s empowerment campaign of Maharshi Karve, as well as efforts in industrialization and agricultural reforms in Maharashtra, all found their strength in the Marathi language. He said the cultural diversity of our country becomes further enriched by connecting with the Marathi language.

“Language is not just a medium of communication, but is deeply connected with culture, history, tradition and literature”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. Talking about the folk song Povada, Shri Modi remarked that the tales of bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other heroes have reached us even after several centuries. He added that Povada was a wonderful gift of Marathi language to today’s generation. The Prime Minister underlined that today when we worship Ganpati, the words ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ naturally resonate in our mind and it is not just a combination of a few words, but an endless flow of devotion. He added that this devotion connects the entire country with Marathi language. Shri Modi also underlined that similarly, those who listen to Shri Vitthal’s Abhang also automatically connect with Marathi.

Highlighting the contributions and efforts by Marathi litterateurs, writers, poets and innumerable Marathi lovers to Marathi language, Shri Modi remarked that the recognition of classical status to the language was a result of the service of many talented litterateurs. He added that the contribution of personalities like Balshastri Jambhekar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Krishnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar, Keshavsut, Shripad Mahadev Mate, Acharya Atre, Anna Bhau Sathe, Shantabai Shelke, Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar, Kusumagraj is incomparable. The Prime Minister remarked that the tradition of Marathi literature is not only ancient but also multifaceted. He added that many personalities like Vinoba Bhave, Shripad Amrit Dange, Durgabai Bhagwat, Baba Amte, Dalit litterateur Daya Pawar, Babasaheb Purandare have made significant contributions to Marathi literature. Shri Modi also remembered the contribution of all the litterateurs who served Marathi, including Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, Dr. Aruna Dhere, Dr. Sadanand More, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Sahitya Akademi Award winner Namdev Kamble. He added that many stalwarts like Asha Bage, Vijaya Rajadhyaksha, Dr. Sharankumar Limbale, theatre director Chandrakant Kulkarni had dreamt of classical language status for Marathi for years.

The Prime Minister lauded the contribution of Marathi cinema, literature, and culture, noting that legends like V. Shantaram and Dadasaheb Phalke laid the foundation of Indian cinema. He praised Marathi theatre for giving a voice to the oppressed and celebrated Marathi music traditions, acknowledging icons like Bal Gandharva, Bhimsen Joshi, and Lata Mangeshkar for their contributions.

Shri Modi shared a personal memory from Ahmedabad where a Marathi family helped him learn the language. The Prime Minister highlighted that Marathi being recognized as a classical language will promote language research in universities across India and also promote the literary collection. This decision, Shri Modi said, will provide a significant boost to organizations, individuals, and students working for the development of the Marathi language. He expressed optimism that this initiative will open new avenues in education and research, fostering employment opportunities in these sectors.

Emphasizing that the country has a government that prioritizes education in regional languages for the first time since independence, the Prime Minister highlighted the possibility of studying medical and engineering courses in Marathi under the New National Education Policy. He noted that the availability of books in Marathi across various subjects like science, economics and arts is growing and stressed making Marathi a vehicle of ideas so that it remains vibrant. He encouraged the efforts to bring Marathi literature to a global audience and also touched upon the Bhashini app which helps break language barriers through its translation feature.

The Prime Minister reminded everyone that celebrations of this historic occasion also bring responsibility. He underlined that every Marathi speaker must contribute to the growth of this language. Shri Modi urged that efforts should be made to expand the reach of Marathi, instilling a sense of pride in future generations. He concluded by extending congratulations to everyone on the recognition of Marathi as a classical language.

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