Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emphasized that India’s languages have always influenced and enriched each other, asserting that there has never been any animosity among them. Addressing the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi, he urged people to reject misconceptions that seek to create linguistic divisions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to treating all languages as mainstream.
“There has never been any animosity among Indian languages. They have always influenced and enriched each other. When attempts are made to divide people based on language, our shared linguistic heritage stands as a counterargument. It is our responsibility to distance ourselves from such misconceptions and embrace all languages,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the government’s push for multilingual education, PM Modi asserted that the initiative enables students to pursue higher studies in their native tongues, including Marathi, without English proficiency becoming a barrier.
“We are promoting education in all major languages, including Marathi. The youth of Maharashtra can now study engineering and medicine in their mother tongue. We have changed the mindset that previously overlooked talent due to a lack of English proficiency,” he added.
Speaking on Marathi’s literary and cultural contributions, the Prime Minister hailed its role in shaping Dalit literature and pioneering science fiction. He also acknowledged Maharashtra’s historical contributions to Ayurveda, science, and logical reasoning.
“Marathi has given the country a rich Dalit literary tradition and has been at the forefront of modern thought, including science fiction. Maharashtra’s scholars have significantly contributed to Ayurveda, science, and rational discourse,” he said.
Recalling the Bhakti movement and the role of Marathi saints in driving social change, PM Modi highlighted how the language became a symbol of resistance during foreign invasions.
“Saints from Maharashtra used Marathi to guide society during the Bhakti movement. Throughout centuries of foreign rule, Marathi remained a symbol of freedom. Warriors like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Baji Rao Peshwa defeated their enemies and upheld the spirit of resistance,” he added.
The three-day Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, being held in Delhi after 71 years, aims to celebrate the literary and cultural significance of the Marathi language.
(Inputs from ANI)
