"Marathi language immensely enriched Indian freedom struggle," says PM Modi

Terming it as golden moment in the history of the Marathi language, the Prime Minister said that this decision by the central government will encourage institutions, individuals, and students working for the development of the Marathi language.

"Marathi language has been given the status of classical language by the central government. Today is a golden moment in the history of the Marathi language. The people of Maharashtra and every Marathi-speaking person had been waiting for this moment for decades...The history of the Marathi language is very rich. The streams of knowledge that emerged from this language have guided many generations and are still guiding us today," said PM Modi

He was addressing the Abhijat Marathi Language Programme in Mumbai today.

"The recognition of Marathi as a classical language will encourage the study and research of the language. Indian universities will also offer the opportunity to study Marathi. This decision by the central government will encourage institutions, individuals, and students working for the development of the Marathi language. For the first time after independence, such a government has been formed in the country, which gives importance to studying in the mother tongue. Under the new 'National Education Policy', it is now possible to study medical sciences and engineering in Marathi as well...", he said.

Hailing the Marathi language for promoting the Swaraj conscience and contributing to the freedom struggle of the country, the Prime Minister said, "The history of India's freedom struggle is enriched by the contribution of the Marathi language. Many revolutionary leaders and thinkers of Maharashtra used the Marathi language as a medium to awaken and unite the people. Lokmanya Tilak had shaken the roots of foreign power through the Marathi newspaper 'Kesari'."

"Many speeches given in Marathi awakened the desire to attain self-rule (swaraj) among the people. Marathi language played an important role in advancing the fight for justice and equality. Gopal Ganesh Agarkar took the campaign of social reforms to every home through the Marathi newspaper 'Sudharak'...The literature in the Marathi language is the heritage in which the stories of the development of our civilisation and culture are preserved," he said.

"The Marathi literature has kept a large part of the country's rich history safe. Swaraj and Swadeshi got a boost through Marathi. Language is not just a mode of communication; it has deep connections with culture, history, rituals and literature," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also posted on X, "There is immense happiness across Maharashtra at the Union Cabinet's decision to accord classical language status to Marathi. This evening in Mumbai, I joined a program attended by eminent individuals from various walks of life who expressed their appreciation for this decision. People have been demanding it for decades, and I am honoured that our government had the opportunity to fulfil this request."

Meanwhile, PM Modi met Veena Bhatia, who has been working for the BJP since the Jan Sangh days in Thane today. (ANI)