Use Artificial Intelligence to Preserve Marathi Classical Literature for Future Generations – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Inauguration of the Third World Marathi Conference; Veteran Literary Figure Padmashree Madhu Mangesh Karnik Honored with the ‘Sahitya Bhushan’ Award

Pune : The Third World Marathi Conference was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, veteran literary figure Padmashree Madhu Mangesh Karnik, along with literary figures and Marathi enthusiasts from across the country and abroad.

In today’s age of Artificial Intelligence, Chief Minister Fadnavis suggested that the Marathi Language Department take the initiative to develop a ‘small language model’ like Chat-GPT to carry forward Marathi’s classical literature to future generations.

The event, held at the Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule stage at Ferguson College, saw the presence of Member of Parliament Shri Rang Barne, Members of Legislative Assembly Bhimrao Tapkir, Siddharth Shirole, Bapusahab Pathare, Additional Chief Secretary of Marathi Language Department Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar, President of Maharashtra State Literature and Culture Board Dr. Sadanand More, President of Maharashtra State Marathi Encyclopedia Creation Board Dr. Ravindra Shobhane, Chairman of the Language Advisory Committee Lakshmikant Deshmukh, Dr. Tara Bhawalkar, planned chairperson of the All India Marathi Literary Conference, Usha Tambe, Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Vice Chancellor of Marathi Language University Dr. Avinash Avalagavkar, and others.

Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting Marathi the status of a classical language. He mentioned that this is the first conference after Marathi was given classical language status and highlighted the upcoming All India Literary Conference in Delhi next month as a moment of pride for all.

He also expressed joy in honoring Padmashree Mangesh Karnik, who began his literary journey at the age of four and created a wide range of literature by the age of 93. He praised the global reach of Marathi enthusiasts and literary figures present, indicating that the conference has truly reached an international level, with Marathi individuals spread across the world.

In his address, Fadnavis emphasized the role of language as a medium for expressing emotions and creating new ideas, highlighting Marathi’s classical status as recognition of its deep-rooted legacy. He also spoke of the history of Marathi as the language of the Marathas and its role in the creation of the Swatantra Bharat (Independent India).

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde highlighted the pride associated with the classical status of Marathi and its long-standing, vibrant tradition of literature. He expressed his dream of Marathi reaching every corner of the world, asserting that for Marathi to be considered a global language, it needs to connect with other languages and cultures across the world.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar remarked that Marathi pride goes beyond geographical boundaries, and every place where Marathi people have left their mark is a testament to their accomplishments. He called for the Marathi language and its people to continue spreading their influence globally.

The event also saw Minister Uday Samant call for efforts to further promote Marathi language and literature, emphasizing the need for the next generation to carry forward this legacy, and suggesting that Marathi be promoted internationally, including the possibility of hosting a Marathi World Conference abroad.

The conference aims to serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas between veteran and budding talents in literature, art, culture, politics, and more. The gathering also addressed the significance of empowering the younger generation by exposing them to Marathi’s rich literary heritage.

Further discussions included the importance of making Marathi a practical language for education, business, and technology, with a focus on ensuring the availability of technical books in Marathi.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister and other speakers expressed their vision for a vibrant, global Marathi culture, urging the Marathi community to continue fostering the legacy and pride of their language and culture.