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Taking the centre stage

This long-awaited recognition celebrates Marathi’s contribution to India’s intellectual heritage
11:31 PM Jan 24, 2025 IST | Anuj Nahar
taking the centre stage
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The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, one of India’s most esteemed literary gatherings, is set to take place in New Delhi from February 21 to 23, 2025. This Sammelan, returning to the nation’s capital after 71 years, celebrates Marathi literature and its enduring contribution to shaping India’s cultural identity. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking its significance on a national stage. Dr. Tara Bhavalkar, a distinguished literary figure, will preside over the Sammelan, while Shri Sharad Pawar, a veteran statesman and literary enthusiast, will serve as the President of the Reception Committee.

Adding to the occasion’s uniqueness, a special train, organised through the efforts of Minister Murlidhar Mohol, will transport literary enthusiasts from Maharashtra to Delhi. This train journey symbolises Sammelan’s ethos—creating spaces for dialogue, exchange, and understanding, much like Marathi literature has historically played in uniting people across cultures.

Marathi Language: From Cultural Legacy to Classical Status

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Languages do more than facilitate communication—they shape the cultures and identities of those who speak them. Marathi, with its deep roots in literature, philosophy, and reformist movements, has not only enriched its speakers’ lives but also left a profound mark on Indian culture.

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On October 3, 2024, Marathi achieved a significant milestone when granted Classical Language status alongside Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This long-awaited recognition celebrates Marathi’s contributions to India’s intellectual heritage. With this status, Marathi will benefit from targeted support, including funding for research, the establishment of university chairs, and dedicated research centres.

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However, the way forward for a classical language lies in fostering meaningful cultural dialogue. Marathi has exemplified this approach, using its literature to engage with other languages and traditions, creating connections that transcend regional boundaries.

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Delhi as the Stage for National Dialogue

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The choice of Delhi as the venue for this year’s Sammelan is deeply symbolic. As India’s cultural and political capital, Delhi represents unity in diversity, making it the ideal platform to showcase how Marathi literature contributes to the nation’s collective cultural framework.

The venue, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sahitya Nagari, reflects Maharashtra’s cultural pride. Named after the legendary Maratha king, who championed the use of Marathi in governance and culture, the venue is a tribute to Marathi’s role in shaping India’s history. Key areas of the venue honour icons like Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lokmanya Tilak, Yashwantrao Chavan, and Bajirao Peshwa, highlighting the region’s rich cultural and intellectual contributions.

The Sammelan will foster national conversations on topics such as translation, cultural preservation, the role of language in shaping society, and the challenges of modernity. As India progresses toward becoming a Vikasit Bharat (Developed India), these discussions underscore the potential of literature and culture to unite a diverse nation.

Marathi Literature’s Influence on Culture and Inclusivity

Since its inception in 1878, the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan has exemplified the transformative power of literature. Its 147-year history is a testament to how Marathi literature has shaped social consciousness and reflected the idea of India.

The Sammelan has been graced by luminaries such as Justice Mahadeo Govind Ranade, Lokahitwadi Gopal Hari Deshmukh, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. These figures used literature as a tool for reform and dialogue, addressing their time’s societal and political challenges.

This tradition of inclusivity continues today. The Sammelan has elected presidents from Dalit and minority communities, such as Shankarrao Kharat, YM Pathan, Narayan Surve, and Father Francis D’Britto. These leaders demonstrate the Sammelan’s commitment to diversity, ensuring that literature serves as a unifying force that embraces all voices.

The Connection Between Marathi and Kashmiri Cultures

The Marathi cultural ethos finds a unique resonance in Kashmir, where traditions of Sufi spirituality and inclusivity reflect similar values. The bond between Maharashtra and Kashmir exemplifies how languages and cultures can create bridges of mutual understanding.

For decades, thousands of Maharashtrians have visited Kashmir, drawn by its beauty and heritage. Conversely, many students and job seekers from the Valley have travelled to Maharashtra to find opportunities for growth and education. Maharashtra has welcomed them warmly, with organisations like Sarhad, Pune playing a pivotal role in supporting orphans and students from the region.

A shining example of this connection is Siraj Khan from Aragam, Bandipora, who, inspired by Maharashtra’s Bhilar Book Village, plans to establish the world’s largest book and poetry village on the banks of Wular Lake. Such initiatives reflect how cultural exchange can transform communities and inspire innovation.

The connection deepens with the establishment of Maharashtra Bhavan in Budgam district, the first initiative of its kind by a state government in Jammu & Kashmir. This Bhavan will serve as a hub for officials and tourists, further strengthening ties between the two regions.

Cultural harmony is also evident in the Sufi and Bhakti traditions. Sufi singer Shameema Akhter’s rendition of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Pasaydan symbolises this spiritual synthesis, demonstrating how shared values can unite regions and traditions.

Languages as Instruments of Unity

Marathi literature demonstrates that languages are more than linguistic entities—they are instruments of cultural integration and social reform. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, Marathi has consistently contributed to the idea of India as a united and diverse nation.

The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan emphasises that a classical language’s true strength is engaging with others. Marathi’s tradition of inclusivity and collaboration provides a template for other regional languages, ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

A Vision for the Future

As the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan unfolds in Delhi, it represents more than a celebration of Marathi literature. It is a platform for envisioning a future where languages and cultures unite people across India. From fostering educational opportunities to inspiring artistic collaborations, Marathi’s journey as a classical language offers a roadmap for building a harmonious and inclusive nation.

The Sammelan, held in the heart of India, invites people from all regions to engage in meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange. It reminds us that our linguistic diversity is not a challenge but a strength—one that can guide us toward a future where unity in diversity is not just an ideal but a lived reality.

Anuj Nahar, Sarhad, Pune