Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
In a bold move, 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 declaration comes after the government had announced its intention to introduce this policy earlier, but failed to issue a written order.
Thackeray, known for his strong stance on preserving Marathi culture and traditions, has warned that the MNS will launch an agitation if the government rolls back on its decision. In his letter to the state government, Thackeray emphasized the importance of promoting the Marathi language and culture, which are an integral part of Maharashtra’s identity.
The MNS chief’s demand is not without merit. Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra, and there is a growing concern among locals that the language is being pushed to the sidelines in favor of English and other languages. In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the number of students who are opting for Marathi as a first language, with many choosing English instead.
Thackeray’s demand is also seen as an attempt to counter the growing influence of English in the state. While English is widely spoken and recognized as a global language, many feel that it is being given too much prominence at the expense of Marathi. By limiting the languages taught in schools to Marathi and English, Thackeray hopes to promote the use of Marathi and preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
Thackeray’s stance has received widespread support from many locals, who feel that the state government has a responsibility to promote and preserve the Marathi language. Many have taken to social media to express their support for Thackeray’s demand, using the hashtag #MarathiFirst to express their solidarity.
However, not everyone agrees with Thackeray’s proposal. Critics argue that limiting the languages taught in schools to only two will restrict students’ access to new knowledge and opportunities. Others point out that English is a vital language in today’s globalized world, and that restricting its teaching will hinder students’ ability to compete with their peers from other states and countries.
The state government has yet to respond to Thackeray’s letter, but it is likely that the issue will spark a heated debate in the coming weeks. The government will need to carefully consider the implications of Thackeray’s proposal, weighing the benefits of promoting Marathi against the potential drawbacks of restricting students’ access to knowledge and opportunities.
In conclusion, Raj Thackeray’s demand that only Marathi and English be taught in schools is a bold move that is likely to spark a heated debate in the state. While Thackeray’s proposal has its merits, it is crucial that the government carefully considers the implications of his demand before making a decision. Ultimately, the fate of the Marathi language and culture hangs in the balance, and it is up to the government to ensure that the state’s unique identity is preserved for generations to come.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
