In a significant move to bolster the Marathi language, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled a series of concrete assurances aimed at bringing Marathi closer to the masses. The announcements were made during the concluding ceremony of the 99th Akhil Bhartiya Sahitya Sammelan held in Satara on Sunday.
Key Promises for Marathi Literature and Accessibility
Addressing the literary gathering, Shinde responded to concerns raised by earlier speakers, including the lack of financial support for Marathi after it was granted the prestigious 'classical language' status. He reminded the audience that it was during his tenure as Chief Minister that the central government accorded this status to Marathi.
Shinde laid out a multi-pronged plan to support the language. He committed to establishing Marathi book libraries at State Transport (ST) bus terminuses across Maharashtra. He stated he would direct the state transport minister, Pratap Sarnaik, to allocate space for this purpose.
Furthermore, leveraging his urban development portfolio, Shinde promised to ensure that at least two shops in every municipal shopping complex are allocated to Marathi book sellers at reduced rents. He also vowed to follow up on the demand to reduce the 18% GST rate on publications and assured funds for modernizing public libraries with digital reading facilities.
Cultural Identity and Institutional Support
Emphasizing the emotional connection, Shinde said, "Marathi is the mother of all of us. Like our Ladki Bahin, we will not think twice about spending time with our mother." He firmly assured that there would be no compulsion of Hindi in schools and that the honour of Marathi would be protected.
Adding to the government's commitments, Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant disclosed that the Marathi language department had provided Rs 3 crore to organize the Satara meet. He announced the creation of a 'Sanman Nidhi' (gratitude fund) in the name of poet G. D. Madgulkar for past presidents of the Sammelan. Starting from the 100th meet, presidents will receive a similar fund named after Mahadji Shinde.
Samant also declared that 1.5 acres of land in the Satara MIDC would be allotted for a memorial of scholar Tarkatirtha Lakshmanshastri Joshi. In a revival of a past initiative, the translation committee envisioned by former Chief Minister late Yashwantrao Chavan will be restarted in his name to translate rural literature and fund its publication.
Record-Breaking Success and a Call to Preserve Culture
Minister and local host Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale declared the four-day literary festival a massive success. He highlighted the overwhelming public response to events like book exhibitions, Kavi Katta, seminars, and panel discussions. Bhosale estimated that nearly 8 lakh (800,000) lovers of Marathi literature attended the event, potentially setting a new record.
Concluding on a reflective note, the president of the Sammelan, Vishwas Patil, expressed concern over rising intolerance in society. He assured the audience that all necessary struggles would be undertaken to safeguard the cultural identity and existence of the Marathi language.
