Now, MNS students’ wing wants state to make Marathi Bhasha Diwas compulsory in colleges

“We will write to the cultural and Marathi language departments and its minister Vinod Tawde, requesting him to make Marathi Bhasha Diwas compulsory for all colleges and institutes. We will also enclose the RTI reply of Mumbai University, which shows dismal participation of colleges,” said Santosh Gangurde, MNVS member.

Senate members of the university had also raised the issue of some colleges not celebrating Marathi Bhasha Din last year, as a result of which the university circular was issued, asking them to observe the day.

“MNVS activists will individually meet principals of those colleges which have not planned the celebrations this year to remind them about the same. We want to ensure that every college must celebrate Marathi Bhasha Diwas to celebrate Marathi language and promote Marathi culture,” said Gangurde.

Mridul Nile, in-charge director, Department of Students Welfare (DSW), Mumbai University, have issued a circular to this effect this year too, asking colleges to organise programmes to mark the day and also submit a report of the same to DSW. “Colleges have been asked to conduct a full-fledged programme this year too, wherein guests with a cultural or literary background have to be invited. The university order is based on a state government order that was issued last year, in which promotion of Marathi has to be done at all academic levels,” said Nile.

The circular states that it will not only make students aware of the history of the language, but also enlighten them about the literary works available in the language. This, the circular says, will encourage students to learn the state language as well read and understand literary works and communicate in it. The circular, addressed to principals and managements of affiliated colleges, has asked them to make a provision of funds for the same.

dipti.singh@expressindia.com