Transform Marathi into a Language of Knowledge for Future Generations: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : Emphasising the need to carry Marathi forward as a language of knowledge for future generations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called upon society to enrich and modernise the language. He was speaking at the special programme “Jaave Vinodachya Gaava” organised at the Vidhan Bhavan Central Hall on the occasion of Marathi Language Pride Day.

The Chief Minister said that history shows how languages that become vehicles of knowledge continue to flourish across the world. A language that supports daily life, commerce and employment naturally becomes a catalyst for progress. Therefore, he said, there is a collective responsibility to transform classical Marathi into a knowledge language and ensure its continuity for future generations.

The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narvekar, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe, Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Marathi Language Committee Head Ashutosh Kale, and Legislature Secretariat Secretary Jitendra Bhole.

CM Fadnavis recalled that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had compiled a dictionary in his time to purify Marathi, which was then under heavy influence from Persian and Arabic due to administrative usage. He said the pride in Marathi truly began with Shivaji Maharaj, and early classical texts clearly demonstrate the richness and sophistication of the language. He added that proceedings in the Maharashtra Legislature themselves often inspire literature, theatre and cinema.

He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi accorded Marathi the status of a classical language, thereby granting it national recognition and patronage. The Chief Minister urged greater efforts to take Marathi literature, folk arts and cultural heritage to wider audiences.

Speaking on the occasion, Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narvekar said that if Marathi is to be truly enriched and taken forward, technology and research must increasingly be conducted in the language itself. Only then, he said, can Marathi emerge as a full-fledged knowledge language. He highlighted that Marathi is one of India’s 22 official languages, with its speakers ranking third nationally and tenth globally.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde remarked that humour is ingrained in the Marathi ethos and acts as a bridge connecting people in society. Citing literary giants like Acharya Atre and P. L. Deshpande, he said Marathi humour has unmatched depth and legacy. He stressed the need to use Marathi across all fields of communication and to carry its flag across the seas.

Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar emphasised greater use of Marathi on digital platforms. She said steps such as increased grants to public libraries and funding for the proposed Maharashtra Bhavan in London would help promote Marathi language and culture globally.

The programme featured readings, poetry, songs and performances celebrating Marathi humour and literature. Several renowned artists participated, and a book titled “Loksevecha Lokjagar” was released during the event. Ministers, legislators, officials and staff of the state legislature were present, making the celebration a fitting tribute to the richness and vitality of the Marathi language.