Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan on February 21 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The prestigious literary gathering, returning to the national capital after 71 years, will celebrate Marathi literature’s timeless relevance and its influence in contemporary discourse. The event will commence at 4:30 PM, where PM Modi will address the attendees.
Scheduled from February 21 to 23, the Sammelan will feature panel discussions, book exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions with prominent literary figures. Key topics such as language preservation, translation, and the impact of digitalization on literature will be explored.
A train journey from Pune to Delhi, carrying 1,200 participants, will showcase the unifying power of literature. The event will also include over 2,600 poetry submissions, 50 book launches, and 100 bookstalls, attracting scholars, authors, poets, and literature enthusiasts from across the country.
The government’s recent decision to grant Marathi classical language status will also be highlighted at the Sammelan, further recognizing the rich cultural heritage of Marathi literature.
On the eve of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while interacting with the delegates, emphasized the significance of a country’s cultural wealth, with language being its most authentic pillar.
He noted that India’s vast cultural heritage is unparalleled, stating, “A country is defined by its cultural wealth, its cultural ethos. Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity, is unique. No country in the world can compare to us, with thousands of years of civilizational ethos.”
Acknowledging the efforts behind organizing such a significant literary event, he expressed gratitude to the organizers, saying, “It is our bounden duty and, in a sense, a constitutional ordainment from our founding fathers to nurture our culture and languages. This can only be achieved by supporting those who work tirelessly to preserve, disseminate, and expand our literature. I am so happy and delighted that this organization is organizing such a programme; all those associated with it deserve our gratitude.”
Reflecting on the importance of linguistic freedom in a democratic society, Dhankhar said, “Freedom to think and nurture in our own language is a freedom deeply integrated into our democratic system. I can say with confidence, even from a global perspective, that this is invaluable.”
He further highlighted Maharashtra’s rich cultural legacy, stating, “Maharashtra is known for its great personalities. If pride is to be defined, it is Maratha pride. If chivalry is to be defined, it is symbolized by Shivaji Maharaj and Rana Pratap.”
The Vice President also underscored the profound role of language, adding, “Language is not just about literature; it transcends it. Literature reflects the contemporaneous scenario, the challenges of the time, and encapsulates knowledge and wisdom.”
