New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed that there has never been animosity between Indian languages, as they continuously influence and enrich one another. He urged people to reject misconceptions that create linguistic divisions, emphasizing that the government recognizes all languages as part of the mainstream.
“There has never been any animosity among Indian languages. Languages have always influenced and enriched each other. Often, when efforts are made to create divisions based on language, our shared linguistic heritage provides a strong counterargument. It is our social responsibility to distance ourselves from these misconceptions and to embrace and enrich all languages. That is why today we are looking at all the languages of the country as mainstream languages,” PM Modi stated while addressing the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan at Vigyan Bhavan.
Promotion of Regional Languages in Education
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to promote education in all major languages, including Marathi, ensuring that students can pursue higher education without being restricted by a lack of English proficiency.
“We are promoting education in all major languages, including Marathi. The youth of Maharashtra can easily pursue higher education, engineering, and medical studies in Marathi. We have changed the mindset that overlooked talent due to a lack of English proficiency. We all say that literature is the mirror of society. It also guides society’s direction. Therefore, literary conferences and institutions connected to literature play a very important role in the country,” he said.
Marathi’s Rich Legacy in Literature and Science
PM Modi lauded the Marathi language for its diverse literary contributions, including Dalit literature and science fiction. He also acknowledged Maharashtra’s historical contributions to Ayurveda, science, and logical reasoning.
“In the country, the Marathi language has given us a very rich Dalit literature. Due to its modern thinking, Marathi literature has also created works of science fiction. In the past, people from Maharashtra have made incredible contributions to Ayurveda, science, and logical reasoning,” he noted.
Marathi and the Bhakti Movement
Reflecting on the historical significance of Marathi, the Prime Minister highlighted how saints from Maharashtra used the language to drive social change during the Bhakti movement.
“Many saints from Maharashtra provided a new direction to society through the Bhakti movement, using the Marathi language as their medium. During the long period of hundreds of years of slavery, the Marathi language became a symbol of freedom from invaders. Marathi warriors such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Baji Rao Peshwa defeated their enemies and brought them to their knees,” he added.