Only Marathi & English be taught in schools: Raj Thackeray to govt
In a recent development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has written a letter 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 after the government had announced this policy earlier but failed to issue a written order, which has led to widespread confusion among parents and educators.
As per the latest reports, Raj Thackeray has emphasized that the MNS will launch an agitation if the government rolls back on this decision. In his letter, he has requested the government to issue a written order, making it clear that Marathi and English will be the only two languages taught in schools from Class 1 onwards.
The MNS chief has been a vocal advocate for the promotion of Marathi language and culture, and this demand is seen as a continuation of his efforts to protect and preserve the state’s cultural heritage. By limiting the number of languages taught in schools, Thackeray hopes to promote the use of Marathi language among children and reduce the influence of other languages.
This move has been welcomed by many Marathi language enthusiasts and proponents of cultural preservation. They believe that by promoting Marathi, children will develop a stronger sense of identity and connection with their cultural heritage. Additionally, it will also help to reduce the dominance of English and other languages in the state.
On the other hand, this decision has also sparked controversy among educators and parents who believe that limiting the number of languages taught in schools will hinder the educational development of children. They argue that children should be exposed to multiple languages and cultures to become well-rounded and global citizens.
Furthermore, some critics have pointed out that this move may not be in line with the state’s educational policy, which emphasizes the importance of multilingualism and cultural diversity. They argue that limiting the number of languages taught in schools may not be the best way to promote cultural preservation, as it may inadvertently promote linguistic homogeneity.
Despite these concerns, the MNS chief has been adamant that his demand is necessary to protect the state’s cultural heritage. In an interview, Thackeray emphasized that the state’s cultural identity is under threat, and it is the responsibility of the government to take steps to preserve it. He believes that by promoting Marathi language, children will develop a sense of pride and identity, which will help to strengthen the state’s cultural heritage.
The government has yet to respond to Thackeray’s letter, but sources indicate that officials are considering the demand. While the government has not issued an official statement on the matter, officials have hinted that they may take a middle path by introducing Marathi as a compulsory subject from Class 1 onwards, while still allowing students to choose other languages as optional subjects.
As the debate continues to rage on, one thing is clear â the fate of the state’s language policy hangs in the balance. Will the government issue a written order, or will they opt for a middle path? Only time will tell.
Source: https://x.com/RajThackeray/status/1930208483518857496
