These days, one word is echoing a lot in maharashtra politics, that is 'language'. Especially after a decision of the government, the debate has intensified whether it is necessary to insist on language or will coercion cause more harm? Actually, the maharashtra government has recently made hindi language compulsory in all the schools of the state till class 5. Political reaction has also intensified on this step. On this issue, maharashtra navnirman sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande has written an open letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
What did Deshpande write in the letter?
Deshpande started the letter in an emotional manner, writing, "Actually we wanted to meet you face to face and put forward our views. But I am writing this letter because I don't know whether a common worker like me will get the opportunity to meet you or not." Citing indian history in the letter, he said that the Marathas never imposed their language on others, even though their rule was spread across the country.
The letter reads - Holkars ruled in indore, Shindes in Gwalior, Gaekwads in Baroda. Marathas also dominated South india up to Tanjavur. Marathas ruled over a large part of india for about 200 years. Despite this, the Marathas never imposed their language—Marathi—on other regions. Even without a facility like Google, they did not feel the need to make Marathi a connecting language. When Shinde went to Gwalior, he became 'Scindia'—this is the specialty of our history. He said that when Shinde went to Gwalior, he became 'Scindia', similarly, citing the example of the rule of Holkars in indore and Gaekwads in Baroda, he said that imposing language has never been a part of our culture.
Diversity is our identity, making one language compulsory is a weakness - Deshpande
Deshpande believes that making hindi compulsory in education is taking unfair advantage of the tolerance of Marathi people. He wrote, "Our nation stands on the principle of unity in diversity. Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Dravidian - all these are our identity. Making one language compulsory can weaken this unity." He also argued that just as the followers of christianity speak different languages, hinduism should also take all languages along. religion and culture expand through language, not by forceful imposition.
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