The Maharashtra government has declared October 3 as ‘Classical Marathi Language Day’, following the Centre’s 2024 decision to confer classical language status on Marathi. Additionally, the week of October 3 to 9 will now be observed every year as ‘Classical Marathi Language Week’, as per a government resolution (GR) issued by the Marathi Language Department on Thursday.
The initiative aims to promote awareness, preservation, and scholarly engagement with Marathi’s 2,500-year-old literary and linguistic heritage.
The move is rooted in a Union Cabinet resolution dated October 3, 2024, which granted classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
🔹 Planned Activities
As per the resolution:
- Government, semi-government offices, PSUs, universities, schools, colleges, and even private enterprises have been directed to organize programs.
- Activities will include seminars, lectures, quizzes, exhibitions, and essay competitions.
- Rare manuscripts and ancient copperplate inscriptions will be exhibited to connect students and the public with Marathi’s classical tradition.
- Focus will also be placed on digitisation of ancient texts, translation efforts, and screenings of documentaries on preservation methods.
🔹 Administrative Oversight & Funding
- District Collectors will head Marathi Language Committees and ensure proper planning and implementation of activities.
- A detailed report of all conducted events must be submitted to the Directorate of Languages by October 31.
- All expenses are to be met through existing budgetary allocations of the respective departments and institutions.
🔹 Wider Impact
The Centre noted that the recognition of classical languages will not only promote cultural pride but also create job opportunities in academic research, archiving, translation, digital publishing, and media.
Additionally, scholars working in these languages will be eligible for two annual international awards administered by the Union Education Ministry.
This move is expected to significantly boost interest in Marathi literature and history, particularly among younger generations, while also positioning Maharashtra as a state taking proactive steps to preserve its linguistic legacy.