Maharashtra Deputy CM Decries Waning Wit in Public Discourse
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis voiced deep concern on Friday over the noticeable decline of humor in contemporary speeches, stating that the "absolute joy" derived from witty oratory is rapidly fading. He attributed this trend to speakers exercising "utmost precaution" to avoid being misinterpreted or taken out of context.
Celebrating Marathi Language Legacy
Fadnavis made these remarks during his address at the Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Diwas celebration held at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. This annual observance commemorates the birth anniversary of renowned poet V.V. Shirwadkar, a Jnanpith awardee who wrote under the pen name ‘Kusumagraj’. The event honors the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the Marathi language.
"When humor is sometimes linked to one's identity unnecessarily and taken out of context, it loses its shine," Fadnavis emphasized. "People have started using humor with utmost precaution. The absolute joy from a speech sprinkled with humor has now reduced significantly."
Historical Contributions of Marathi
Highlighting the profound legacy of Marathi, Fadnavis noted that the language has made immense contributions to both society and governance throughout history. He cited the example of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who created a comprehensive dictionary for the official language of his kingdom.
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj removed words from other languages and replaced them with local words, thereby enriching Marathi," Fadnavis recounted, underscoring the language's historical significance in administration and cultural identity.
Recognition and Diversity
Fadnavis credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Central government's decision to grant classical language status to Marathi, acknowledging this as a significant recognition of its richness and historical depth. He also pointed out the linguistic diversity within Marathi itself, sharing a personal anecdote about his own adaptation.
"Our language is rich, and at the same time, it has variations. As I hail from the Vidarbha region, my diction was unacceptable here. I changed subsequently," he said, illustrating the regional nuances that contribute to the language's vibrant tapestry.
Global Context and Future Prospects
Reflecting on the global dominance of English, Fadnavis remarked that the British Empire's historical rule facilitated the language's worldwide spread, leading many to learn it, often out of necessity rather than choice. He contrasted this with the need to bolster Marathi's future relevance.
"Once we instil the feeling that by learning Marathi, people can progress and prosper, the future of the language will be better," he asserted. Fadnavis stressed that creating tangible opportunities linked to the language is crucial for ensuring its continued growth and vitality in modern times.
In conclusion, Fadnavis's address not only lamented the cautious erosion of humor in public speaking but also celebrated Marathi's enduring legacy while calling for proactive measures to secure its prosperous future in an increasingly globalized world.
