Maharashtra declares October 3 as classical Marathi language day amid row

Amid a row over the three-language policy in Maharashtra, the state government on Friday issued an order to celebrate October 3 every year as Abhijat Marathi Bhasha Diwas (Classical Marathi Language Day). This decision follows the government's move to declare Marathi a classical language on October 3 last year.

According to a Government Resolution dated October 14, 2024, the state will not only celebrate the day but also observe a Classical Marathi Language Week, featuring various activities to promote research and public engagement around the language's rich heritage.

The government has clarified that the move aims to encourage deeper academic inquiry and foster pride in Marathi's classical legacy. Instructions for planning and conducting related events have been issued to departments and institutions at all levels.

The announcement comes in the wake of backlash over the state's implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the controversial three-language policy.

In April, the Maharashtra government issued a General Resolution declaring Hindi as the default third language for students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools. The policy triggered widespread criticism from political, cultural and social groups.

Facing pressure, the government cancelled the order and announced the formation of a new committee to revisit the language policy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that Hindi would not be mandatory, and students could choose any regional language as a third language. A revised order later said that Hindi would "generally" be taught as the third language, without making it compulsory.

Meanwhile, tensions over the language issue intensified further when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly assaulted a sweet shop owner after he claimed ignorance of Marathi being compulsory.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray reacted to the incident, saying emotions can run high when the state's identity is disrespected.

“We want that our mother tongue Marathi is not insulted and no language is forcefully imposed. We don’t want anybody to take the law into their hands, but when it is the other way round and Marathi or Maharashtra is insulted, things can escalate,” he said.

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