Title: Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
In a bold move to assert the importance of regional languages, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has written to the state government demanding a written order that only two languages â Marathi and English â be taught from Class 1 onwards in state board schools. This decision comes as a response to the government’s earlier declaration, but without a written order, which has left many wondering about its implementation.
In a strongly worded letter to the Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray emphasized the significance of Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra, and its importance in preserving the state’s cultural heritage. He argued that the language is the backbone of the state’s identity and is essential for the growth and development of the region.
Thackeray’s move is not unexpected, given his party’s long-standing commitment to promoting Marathi and preserving the state’s cultural identity. The MNS has been vocal about the need to protect the regional language and has taken several initiatives to promote its use in various aspects of life, including education.
The MNS chief has also warned that if the government rolls back on this decision, the party will launch an agitation to ensure that the order is implemented. This warning is not to be taken lightly, given the MNS’s reputation for using aggressive tactics to achieve its goals.
This decision has sparked a heated debate among educators, linguists, and policymakers, with many questioning the feasibility of such a move. Some argue that restricting the number of languages taught in schools will limit students’ exposure to other languages and cultures, which is essential in today’s globalized world.
On the other hand, proponents of the decision argue that it will help to strengthen the regional language and promote a sense of national identity. They argue that English is sufficient for communication and that the focus should be on preserving the regional language and culture.
The debate is also complex because of the diverse linguistic landscape of India. With over 22 officially recognized languages, the country is home to a rich linguistic diversity. While promoting regional languages is essential, it is also important to recognize the importance of English as a global language.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the promotion of regional languages, driven by concerns about language loss and cultural homogenization. The Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote regional languages, including the introduction of the Three Language Formula in 2019, which makes it mandatory for schools to teach three languages â the mother tongue, Hindi, and English.
However, the implementation of this formula has faced several challenges, including controversy over the inclusion of Hindi as a compulsory language. The Hindi language has been a contentious issue in India, with many regions resisting its imposition.
In the context of Maharashtra, the decision to restrict languages to Marathi and English is seen as a step towards promoting the regional language and culture. However, it is also important to recognize the importance of other languages and cultures, and to promote language diversity and bilingualism.
In conclusion, Raj Thackeray’s demand for a written order restricting languages to Marathi and English is a bold move that has sparked a heated debate. While proponents of the decision argue that it will help to strengthen the regional language and promote national identity, others argue that it will limit students’ exposure to other languages and cultures.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on the government’s willingness to implement the order and the extent to which it is willing to compromise on language diversity. As the debate rages on, it is essential to recognize the importance of language preservation and promotion, while also acknowledging the need for language diversity and bilingualism.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
