BMC nod for Sena’s demand to observe Feb 27 as Marathi Day

Acting on a demand by the Shiv Sena,the civic administration has directed the BMC-run schools to observe Marathi Day on February 27,which is the birthday of literati V V Shirwadkar or Kusumagraj.

A circular issued in this regard said that all the 700 Marathi civic schools should oragnise various literature programmes to celebrate the works of Kusumagraj.

When contacted,Sena leader Rahul Shewale,who had made the demand,said that it was unfortunate that Marathi Day was not being celebrated. “Central government observes Hindi Day,then why can’t we celebrate Marathi Day,” he asked. “A number of organisations including government bodies celebrate February 27 as Marathi Day. I had therefore given this suggestion. This way young children will learn about our literature and great writers,” he said.

However,Municipal Commissioner Jairaj Phatak has approved the demand. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (education) Chandrashekhar Rokde said that in all the schools,teachers were instructed to give information on Kusumagraj. “Schools will be holding various programmes to observe Marathi Day. Reading poetry and literature by Kusumagraj will be part of the programmes,” he added.