How to use Marathi on computers?

The 84th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, to be held in Thane in the last week of December, was in the news for a number of wrong reasons the past few weeks.

But now it seems literature fans have something to look forward to in the coming literary meet.

For the first time ever in a literary meet, people will have a chance to understand and learn the use of Marathi on computers, using Unicode.

A special workshop will be held during the meet on December 26 called ‘Unicode and usage of Marathi on computers’ - the Marathi community will be able to understand everything about their language on computers.

“This is particularly important in the era of globalisation and IT explosion where giving Marathi interface to computers is the order of the day. Moreover, this kind of language enhancement will bridge the digital divide in the society,” said Deepak Pawar, president, Marathi Abhyas Kendra.

The initiative from the organisers of sahitya sammelan has also been welcomed by Marathi artistes. “Computers, internet and such services have brought the world closer. The young generation is almost addicted to the computer. And if we can work on or spread our work through such an initiative, then why should we oppose it. Rather it’s a welcome move, which will enable the world to know our language,” said well-known poet Nalesh Patil.

Agreeing that such initiatives are necessary for the spread of language, famous writer and activist Arjun Dangle, said such technology should not be limited to a certain class.

“People from rural areas and from lower classes also contribute to the language. Such technologies should not be the monopoly of certain people, rather efforts must be taken to make it available to the lowest possible classes,” said Dangle.

Members of Marathi Abhyas Kendra’s Marathi IT group will be making an audio-visual presentation followed by an interactive session.

This will include components like present status of Marathi on computers, concept of Unicode and benefits of standardisation, use of Inscript Keyboard, sending emails in Marathi etc.

“The aim of the programme is to send a positive message that just like English anybody can competently handle modern technology in Marathi,” said Pawar.