Nashik Hosts Fourth Global Marathi Conference to Promote Language and Culture
The city of Nashik is currently hosting the fourth edition of the Jagati Marathi Sammelan, also known as the World Marathi Conference, which commenced on Friday at MVP Samaj's KTHM College. This significant three-day festival is organized by the Marathi Language Department with the ambitious goal of spreading Marathi language, literature, and culture on a global scale.
Inauguration and Distinguished Guests
The conference was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the birth anniversary of the renowned Marathi poet and Dnyanpeeth Awardee Kusumagraj, whose real name was V Wa Shirwadkar. This day is also celebrated as Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din, adding symbolic importance to the event.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar served as the chief guests, while cabinet ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Dadaji Bhuse, along with Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant and Nashik Mayor Himgauri Adke, were present as special guests. The event attracted a large gathering of renowned litterateurs, writers, poets, researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, and Marathi language enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
Awards and Honors
During the inauguration ceremony, several notable individuals were honored for their contributions to Marathi literature and culture. Bhalchandra Nemade received the prestigious Sahitya Bhushan Award, while Srinivas Vinayak Kulkarni was presented with the Vin. Da. Karandikar Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Shantibrahm, Guruvarya Maruti Baba Kurekar was recognized with a special award for his dedicated service.
Conference Objectives and Focus Areas
The primary objective of this global conference is to unite Marathi communities scattered around the world and establish a clear direction for the comprehensive development of the Marathi language. Special emphasis is being placed on preserving the Marathi language, instilling linguistic pride in younger generations, and increasing the use of Marathi in the era of modern technology.
Through various means, the conference aims to highlight the rich heritage of Marathi literature, drama, films, folk art, and traditional practices. By fostering interactions with Marathi institutions abroad, organizers are conducting brainstorming sessions focused on the digital future of Marathi and exploring ways to bring Marathi literature to international audiences through translation projects.
Diverse Program Schedule
The three-day festival features an extensive program including seminars, lectures, poetry readings, cultural performances, book exhibitions, and workshops covering various topics related to Marathi language and culture. These activities are designed to engage participants and promote meaningful discussions about the preservation and promotion of Marathi heritage.
Complementary Festival of Dialects
In the backdrop of the main conference, Nashik also hosted the Marathi Bolincha Mahotsav, a festival celebrating regional dialects at Kalidas Kalamandir. This event was inaugurated by veteran writer Madhu Mangesh Karnik, former president of the Maharashtra State Literature and Culture Board.
Karnik emphasized the importance of dialects in preserving linguistic diversity, stating, "Maharashtra is a state that gives importance to literature, art and music. For thousands of years, dialects have been rooted in the soil of Maharashtra. If dialects are given importance, Marathi language will prosper." He praised the state government for initiating this festival, which complements the broader objectives of the World Marathi Conference.
The combined efforts of these events represent a comprehensive approach to strengthening Marathi language and culture both within India and across the global diaspora.
