Maharashtra Governor Bais calls for promotion of Marathi language and culture across the world

Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais has stressed the need for a collective initiative to promote Marathi language and culture across the world. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the World Marathi Conference-2024 in Navi Mumbai township on Saturday.

Bais noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India one of the world’s top three economies in the coming years, and also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity in the country.

In an effort to promote and preserve the cultural richness of Maharashtra, Bais appealed to the people to collectively spread the essence of “Amritvani Marathi” across the world.

He paid tribute to Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Chakradhar Swami, Sant Tukaram, Sant Ramdas and others who have played an important role in shaping the cultural fabric of Maharashtra. Bais emphasized “collective initiatives to promote Marathi language and culture throughout the world”, especially during this important time in India’s history.

Addressing the linguistic challenges faced by regional languages, including Marathi, he expressed concern over the growing influence of English and underlined the need to protect and promote regional languages, encouraging the public to continue using and practicing them .

The Governor said, “A language becomes popular when it is adopted by the public and influential people practice it.”

Considering the historical context, Governor Bais discussed the changing dynamics of language learning in India. He said that, historically, the country has promoted education of various languages, including Indian languages, and stressed the need to revive this approach.

State cabinet minister Deepak Kesarkar was among the dignitaries present at the event, which will have sessions on music, literature, entertainment, book reading and various programs focusing on the cultural heritage of Maharashtra over the next three days.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)