Latest news with #AkhilBharatiyaMarathiSahityaMahamandal
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Row over Hindi: Marathi literary body opposes three-language formula
The Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, an apex Marathi literary body, has opposed the Maharashtra government's decision to adopt a three-language formula for classes 1 to 5, claiming the New Education Policy does not recommend it. The Mahamandal's statement came on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) amid opposition from the Congress and Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena to an amended government order issued on Tuesday which said Hindi would "generally" be a third language for these classes. "It is clearly mentioned [in NEP] that a third language should be introduced from Class 6," a release from the Mahamandal said. It also questioned the need to teach a third language when many schools do not have enough teachers, and students of higher classes struggle to read Marathi books of Class 2 level. "Instead of improving the quality of education, attempts are being made to make a third language compulsory," it claimed. Though the state government has provided that students can opt for any other Indian language instead of Hindi, it would be practically impossible as teachers of these languages will have to be brought from a respective state which is very difficult, it said. The Mahamandal claimed its opposition to Hindi was for cultural reasons as Hindi's "invasion" of Marathi was increasing. It also asked why the Maharashtra government has adopted such a policy when Hindi is not compulsory from Class 1 in any other State. A government resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday said Hindi will "generally" be a third language, instead of being mandatory, but gave an option to opt out if 20 students per grade in a school express the desire to study any other Indian language. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said, "We had earlier made Hindi compulsory, but in the GR issued yesterday, that compulsion has been removed... students can now opt for any Indian language as a third language."
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Imposing Hindi threat to linguistic, cultural identity: Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad has objected to the state government's latest decision about Hindi as a third optional language from Class 1, calling it 'a threat to the linguistic and cultural identity of Maharashtra.' In a meeting held on Thursday, the Parishad demanded an immediate withdrawal of the government resolution (GR) dated June 17, giving the government a seven-day deadline to revoke the decision. Attendees at the meeting included Prof Milind Joshi, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, author and language advisor Laxmikant Deshmukh, and noted writer Achyut Godbole. Prof Joshi said, 'We have formally written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the government to immediately withdraw the GR. This policy is in direct contradiction to the NEP and even contradicts education minister Dadaji Bhuse's public statement in Pune on May 25, where he had said the plan to introduce a third language from Class 1 was on hold.' The members of the literary body argued that the state's new policy violates this framework and has been reintroduced without consulting education experts, literary bodies, or the state language advisory committee. Deshmukh, chairperson of the advisory committee, said, 'The imposition of Hindi, even indirectly, is viewed as a cultural and linguistic imposition. Marathi already faces growing pressure from Hindi in Maharashtra. This move will only deepen the crisis.' He also flagged the acute shortage of qualified language teachers, especially in rural and zilla parishad schools. 'Many primary schools have just one or two teachers. Without fresh recruitment, enforcing this policy using existing staff is both unrealistic and unjust,' he added. The parishad also questioned the rationale behind Maharashtra being the only state to mandate a third language from Class 1. 'Why should Maharashtra deviate from the national norm? No other state has implemented such a move,' said Prof Joshi. The group has warned that if their demands are ignored, they may launch a statewide peaceful protest in defence of the Marathi language and identity. Educationist and language expert and president of the 98th Marathi Literary Meet at New Delhi, Tara Bhawalkar said, 'A child must first gain mastery in their mother tongue. Only when their foundation is strong can they learn other languages effectively.' She cautioned that forcing three languages too early—especially for children with limited academic support at home—could cause confusion and learning setbacks. 'Till Class 4, all subjects should be taught in the mother tongue. Additional languages can be introduced from Class 5 onwards, with the third language starting in Class 7,' she said. Meanwhile, school education minister Dadaji Bhuse, responding to the growing debate, said the policy allows flexibility. 'In Marathi and English medium schools, Hindi will generally be the third language from Classes 1 to 5. However, students may opt for another Indian language instead of Hindi, provided at least 20 students in a class make the request. If not, the alternate language will be taught online,' he said.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Wildlife conservationist and author Maruti Chitampalli passes away at 93
Noted wildlife conservationist and Marathi author Maruti Chitampalli passed away at the age of 93 at his residence in Solapur at around 8.30 pm on Wednesday due to age-related ailments. Referred by many as 'Aranyarishee' (forest sage), Chitampalli leaves behind a rich legacy spanning forest conservation, environmental awareness, and Marathi literature. Born on November 5, 1932, in Solapur, Chitampalli served in the Maharashtra Forest Department for over 36 years. During his tenure, he played a key role in wildlife and forest management, especially in ornithology, and represented India at several international conferences, presenting papers on biodiversity and conservation. He remained active in advisory roles even after retirement, contributing to academic and policy initiatives in the field of environment. An acclaimed writer, Chitampalli pioneered nature writing in Marathi with his vivid, lyrical descriptions of birds, forests, animals, and tribal life. His books Ranvata, Nisargachitre, Pakshimitra, and Junglecha Doctor introduced readers to the unseen, untouched rhythms of the wilderness. He seamlessly blended scientific observation with a literary sensibility, earning him a wide readership and inspiring generations of nature lovers and writers. In 2006, he presided over the 83rd Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held in Solapur, using the platform to awaken ecological awareness among the Marathi-speaking public. His contributions were formally recognised with the Vinda Karandikar Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar in 2017 by the Government of Maharashtra. In April 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his lifetime achievements in literature and environmental conservation. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said 'Chitampally sir, who knew 13 languages, expressed many of the wonders of nature in words. He put into words the knowledge possessed by the tribals. He told the world the language of birds. He made the knowledge he created, the Vanopanishad and Pakshikosha, available to us forever. While serving literature, he also held the post of president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. For his comprehensive work, he was honoured with the Padma Shri Award this year.' Milind Joshi, president, Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, said, 'With a blend of passion, deep study, and lived experience, Chitampalli carved a space for himself in Marathi literature. He gave voice to forests, animals, birds, and trees. His works introduced Marathi readers to tribal dialects and the mystical life of nature that had long remained unknown. His encyclopaedic compilations on birds, wildlife, and flora enriched Marathi lexicography. With his passing, we have lost a sage-like literary figure.' For the past decade, the Pune-based Adventure Foundation has been presenting the Maruti Chitampalli Nisargamitra Award in his honour. Its president, Vivek Deshpande, who shared a four-decade-long association with Chitampalli, recalled, 'We went on countless jungle safaris together. He taught me what it really means to conserve the forest. We had long hoped that he would receive the Padma Shri. Just two months ago, I spoke to him about the award and we were planning a felicitation event in Pune. Unfortunately, due to his ill health, he couldn't attend — a moment now lost forever. But the award named after him will continue to celebrate his legacy.'
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
After 32 years, Satara to host Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan
The last time the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was held in Satara, the Babri Masjid had just been demolished, and the country was in turmoil. There was also a movement to rename Marathwada University as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar University. This was the 66th edition of the Sammelan, and the eminent playwright Vidyadhar Gokhale was the chairman. 'It is customary for the president of a Sammelan to reflect on pressing concerns of the country in their speeches, and these were the two major issues,' says Prof Milind Joshi, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal. The Mahamandal has announced that the forthcoming 99th edition of the Sammelan will be held in Satara. This unanimous decision was made during a meeting of the All-India Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal in Pune. 'The meeting was attended by Vice President Guruyya Swami, Executive Officer Sunitaraje Pawar, Treasurer Vinod Kulkarni, and representatives from all associated, affiliated, and constituent institutions,' said Prof Joshi. The Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is an annual conference by and for Marathi literary figures. The first edition was held in 1878, when Mahadev Govind Ranade—a social reformer, writer, and judge—was the chairman. Since then, the event has been one of the most important platforms for discussions and debates in the Marathi language. The 98th Sammelan was held in February this year in Delhi and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Shahupuri branch of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad and the Mavala Foundation will be responsible for the event. They had been trying to host the event for 12 years. Satara has hosted the Sammelan twice before: in 1905, with the venerable Raghunath Karandikar at the helm, and in 1962, when N V Gadgil was the head. That was the 44th edition of the meet. 'Our Shahupuri branch has played an active role in gaining classical language status for Marathi,' said Prof Joshi. Others who wished to host the event included Sadanand Sahitya Mandal (Audumbar), the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad Ichalkaranji Branch, and the Dakshin Maharashtra Sahitya Sabha (Kolhapur). Satara was selected after the committee in charge of selection visited all applicant organisations. The Sammelan will return to its 1993 venue, Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium, which can host 25,000 people across 14 acres. Among the architectural highlights of the address will be the main pavilion, two other pavilions, space for a major book exhibition, and sites for poetry and ghazal renditions. Food will also be available at the venue. 'The venue is within walking distance from the Satara bus stand and centrally located, ensuring easy access for local and visiting literary enthusiasts. Behind the stadium lies an 8-acre police parade ground, which will be used for parking,' said Prof Joshi. Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
