Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has taken a strong stance on the teaching of languages in state board schools. In a recent letter to the state government, he has demanded a written order that only two languages â Marathi and English â be taught from Class 1 onwards. The government had previously declared this decision, but failed to issue a written order, which has sparked concerns among many.
Raj Thackeray, known for his strong regional sentiments and commitment to promoting Marathi culture, has reiterated his demand, warning that the MNS will launch an agitation if the government rolls back on its decision. The move is seen as a bid to promote the use of Marathi in everyday life and to reduce the dependence on other languages, particularly Hindi.
In his letter, Raj Thackeray stated that the government’s earlier declaration was not enough, and that a written order was necessary to ensure that the decision was implemented effectively. He also expressed concern that the lack of a written order would lead to confusion and chaos in schools, with teachers and students unsure of which languages to focus on.
The MNS chief has also called for a review of the state’s education policy, which he believes has been influenced by external forces. He claims that the policy has been designed to promote the use of other languages, such as Hindi and Urdu, at the expense of Marathi. This, he argues, is a threat to the cultural identity of Maharashtra and the state’s unique linguistic heritage.
Raj Thackeray’s demands have been met with mixed reactions from various quarters. While some have expressed support for his stance, others have questioned the feasibility of the proposal. Many have pointed out that English is an essential language in today’s globalized world, and that it is necessary for students to learn other languages, including Hindi and other regional languages, to be competitive in the job market.
Moreover, some have argued that the proposal is aimed at promoting a narrow regional agenda, rather than promoting the overall development of the state’s education system. They point out that the state’s education policy should focus on promoting a balanced education system that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century, rather than promoting a particular language or culture.
Despite these criticisms, Raj Thackeray remains committed to his cause. In a recent tweet, he stated that the MNS will not back down on its demands, and that it will continue to fight for the rights of Marathi-speaking students. He has also called on the state government to take immediate action to implement his demands, warning that the MNS will launch a mass agitation if the government fails to do so.
The controversy surrounding Raj Thackeray’s demands has also raised questions about the role of language in Indian society. While many argue that language is a vital part of a person’s identity and cultural heritage, others believe that it should not be used as a tool to promote regionalism or to exclude others.
In conclusion, Raj Thackeray’s demand for a written order that only Marathi and English be taught in state board schools has sparked a heated debate in Maharashtra. While some see his proposals as a necessary step to promote the use of Marathi and to protect the state’s cultural heritage, others believe that it is a narrow-minded approach that will harm the overall development of the state’s education system.
As the government weighs its options, one thing is clear â the debate over language and education in Maharashtra is far from over. Will the government succumb to the pressure of Raj Thackeray and the MNS, or will it take a more balanced approach that promotes the use of multiple languages and cultures? Only time will tell.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
