‘Marathi pride is hollow’

Though the community is tolerant, its language and culture no longer have many takers

Arun Sadhu

A Marathi identity is of those who speak, love and learn Marathi. Maharastrians can be proud of their Marathi identity but the ‘pride’ of both, the politicians and the people, as we see today is hollow.

The Marathi manus is shy and scared of speaking the language. They are reticent about speaking their mother tongue. When a Maharashtrian encounters a stranger he or she starts talking in Hindi or English. Often, even if a non-Maharashtrian guest tries to speak in Marathi, the host responds in English or Hindi.

This is seen even among  Marathi intellectuals. Even if these people have little knowledge of English, they prefer using it to Marathi. It is commendable that they are making this effort, but the situation is hilarious.

As for politicians and leaders , they have no sensitivity to the language or its preservation. Except for Yeshwantrao Chavan, no leader has cared for the language. The Pune University was started with the aim of promoting and preserving the language, but little has been done. Frivolous titles are chosen for doctorates, which do nothing for the language.

Over the years the governments and politicians have failed to draw up a policy to promote and preserve the language.

I have asked various state governments to table a white paper on their language policy, as far as primary, secondary and higher education, general administration and public work are concerned but nothing has been done. Does the government plan to promote English or strengthen Marathi to help the career opportunities of Marathi-speaking people? Studying and perfecting your own language is no longer a marketable skill. A person who is well-versed only in a regional language in India cannot make a substantial career.

Having said all this, I would like to point out that Maharashtrians are a very inclusive and tolerant community. They never enforced their culture and language on people of other communities. We are not parochial. This is true even for Pune and Sangli. Even a villager from the hinterland of Maharashtra will not force people to speak in Marathi. Marwaris and Gujaratis learnt to speak the language because they required it to trade here. In places like Marathwada, Vidarbha and other areas, people speak other languages.

There have been sporadic incidents of violence in the last few days but people must remember that Mumbai is not in flames and Raj Thackeray’s support appears to be concentrated in very few pockets only.

— Sadhu is a writer. He spoke to Neeta Kolhatkar
k_neeta@dnaindia.net