Conscious Efforts Needed to Promote Classical Marathi Language – 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference President, Prof. Dr. Tara Bhavalkar

The 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference is set to take place in New Delhi from February 21 to 23. With Prof. Dr. Tara Bhavalkar from Sangli serving as the conference president, the people of Sangli are filled with pride. On this occasion, we conducted an exclusive interview with her.

Q: You have been elected as the president of the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference. As the conference approaches its centenary, what are your thoughts on Marathi literature and the literary convention?

Dr. Bhavalkar: There is a growing literary awareness among the common people in rural areas. A significant number of new writers are emerging from these regions—young boys and girls from families with no prior history of reading or writing are now expressing themselves in their own ways. Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook have become tools for writers and poets to share their work, and small-scale literary gatherings are being organized.

Due to time constraints, national-level conferences can only accommodate a limited number of writers, but in smaller districts like Sangli, around 10 to 15 literary conventions are held annually. This provides a platform for Marathi literature, benefiting local writers and fostering new talent. This is the beginning of a journey from “local to global,” enabling writers to gain wider recognition.

Q: Has the recognition of Marathi as a classical language brought new energy to it?

Dr. Bhavalkar: The official recognition of Marathi as a classical language is a matter of pride for every Marathi speaker. However, a mere government endorsement does not automatically elevate the language’s status. The recognition may bring financial benefits, with government support for Marathi-speaking individuals, institutions, universities, emerging writers, and researchers. More publishing houses could emerge, but it is crucial for Marathi intellectuals to take proactive steps. Simply obtaining the classical language status is not enough; sustaining and enriching the language is in the hands of Marathi speakers.

While Marathi speakers take pride in their language, it is equally important to assess their efforts in preserving and promoting it. There must be a conscious commitment among Marathi people to nurture and develop their language.

Q: How can Marathi be transformed into a language of knowledge?

Dr. Bhavalkar: This requires collective effort from society, particularly educational institutions. Most importantly, Marathi speakers themselves must take the initiative and take pride in their language. It is essential to overcome the inferiority complex regarding one’s native language.

Knowledge is not limited to any single language. In Japan and Germany, after World War II, advanced technology and engineering were developed in their native languages, compelling others to learn them. If Marathi can become a medium for knowledge, science, engineering, and medicine, then people from other backgrounds will naturally seek to learn it. The key is to cultivate knowledgeable and self-reliant individuals in Marathi who can contribute significant research and publications.

Q: What are your views on the connection between language and script?

Dr. Bhavalkar: The relationship between language and script is often misunderstood. During my research in Tanjore, I found handwritten manuscripts of Marathi plays written in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada scripts. Similarly, some Gujarati authors have published books in Devanagari script, making them accessible to a wider audience.

In Goa, both Konkani and Marathi are actively used, and many writers prefer Devanagari script for Konkani. This allows even non-Konkani speakers to understand much of the content. The difference in pronunciation exists, but the shared script bridges the gap. This demonstrates that language and script are interconnected yet adaptable.

Q: Do you think geographical boundaries limit the growth of literature?

Dr. Bhavalkar: Not really. People living in border regions are often bilingual. While political boundaries may create divisions, literature fosters connections. Schools emphasize global languages, but neighboring state languages also hold importance. People in border regions naturally interact in multiple languages, enriching their cultural and literary exposure.

Many literary conventions are held in border areas, facilitating cross-cultural exchange. Even if political borders separate languages, shared traditions, customs, and cuisine continue to unite people.

Q: What role did non-Marathi speakers and British rulers play in preserving the Marathi language?

Dr. Bhavalkar: When the British first arrived in India, they were curious about its culture and sought to understand Sanskrit literature, Vedas, and epics. Scholars like Max Müller deeply studied Indian texts. Similarly, the Portuguese in Goa learned Marathi and Konkani.

Interestingly, the first Marathi grammar book was written by a European, and punctuation marks were introduced by the British. The first Marathi book was printed not by an Indian but in a missionary printing press near Kolkata. Even British missionaries like Father Stephens recognized the beauty of Marathi, praising it in his verses: “Just as jasmine is fragrant among flowers and musk among scents, so is Marathi among languages.”

Now, 75 years after independence, Marathi speakers must reflect on their own contributions to the language.

Q: Do students from Marathi-medium schools struggle in competitive fields?

Dr. Bhavalkar: Today, English education is seen as prestigious. In earlier times, speaking Sanskrit signified scholarship, and now English holds that position. Even rural parents insist on English education for their children, believing it brings better opportunities. However, Marathi-medium students have proven successful in various fields, dispelling the myth that they are at a disadvantage.

Q: How can we eliminate the inferiority complex among Marathi speakers?

Dr. Bhavalkar: Our nation has an ancient culture and profound philosophical heritage. Yet, many educated parents feel insecure, believing that sending their children abroad is the only path to success. This mindset needs to change.

While Marathi has gained classical language status, it is unfortunate that Marathi-medium schools in Mumbai are closing down. In contrast, Japan, a country devastated by World War II, rose from the ashes by insisting that anyone who wanted access to their technology must first learn Japanese.

Marathi speakers must take responsibility for promoting their language. They should encourage their children to study in Marathi and produce research in the language so that others will seek to learn it. This requires a dedicated and collective effort from all sections of society.

Q: You have extensively researched and documented folk literature. Can you share your insights?

Dr. Bhavalkar: There are many misconceptions about folk literature. Some believe it belongs only to rural or uneducated communities or is a relic of the past. However, folk literature is a living tradition. Women in villages composed ovi (folk verses) while grinding grains.

Even today, art forms like Gondhal, Jagran, Powada, and Lavani survive in a commercialized form due to their musical and theatrical appeal. However, the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual significance of these traditions is fading. Earlier, these performances had an underlying religious essence, but now they are viewed primarily as entertainment.

It is essential to preserve the true essence of folk literature while adapting it to contemporary times.