Integration of Culture, Marathi Language, and Technology Is the Need of the Hour – Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar

Three-Day Lecture Series at P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Public festivals, lecture series, and cultural initiatives serve as powerful mediums that bring together society, culture, the nation, and unity. Following the long-standing tradition of public Ganeshotsav, the government has decided to continue the tradition of intellectually enriching lecture series, and this is the first initiative under that plan, said Minister of Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Adv. Ashish Shelar.

The lecture series, organized for the first time by the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy under the Cultural Affairs Department, was inaugurated at Ravindra Natya Mandir in the presence of Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar. Delivering the inaugural address, he was joined by Meenal Joglekar, Director of the Academy, senior writer and scholar Achyut Godbole, and advisory committee members Dr. Shirish Thakur and Sonia Parchure.

Commenting on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and technology, Minister Shelar said that today, every citizen has a direct relationship with technology. Large-scale information is being collected through mobile phones, social media, and digital platforms, making it extremely important to understand how to use this technology properly, safely, and positively. Guidance from knowledgeable speakers like Achyut Godbole would be highly beneficial on this topic, he added.

While mentioning the process of securing UNESCO World Heritage status for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s 12 forts, Minister Shelar noted that this historic achievement was made possible due to the active efforts of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed pride that Maharashtra successfully showcased the concept of the Maharaj as a “People’s King” and a “Selfless Ruler” on a global platform.

Minister Shelar also highlighted that after Marathi received the status of a classical language, the state government is committed to promoting Marathi creations in literature, folk arts, folk music, science, technology, and other fields. He added that over 1,200 cultural programs are organized across the state annually, making it a significant part of Maharashtra’s cultural ‘soft power’.

Director Joglekar noted that after Ganeshotsav was declared a State Festival, various initiatives are being implemented across Maharashtra, and this lecture series is a part of that effort.

During the series, senior writer and scholar Achyut Godbole delivered a talk on “AI Technology and the World of Arts”. On January 23, archaeologist and Director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Dr. Tejas Garge will speak on “The Exciting Journey of UNESCO Nomination for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Forts”, and on January 24, Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Secretary of the Marathi Language Department and Cultural Affairs Department, will discuss “Classical Marathi: History, Present, and Future.”