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Keep away from attempts to create divisions on basis of language: Modi

Keep away from attempts to create divisions on basis of language: Modi
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New Delhi: Speaking at the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference opening ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said Indian languages have always existed in harmony, not conflict. His comments pushed back against attempts to create divisions based on language.

His remarks came on a day when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin reiterated his remarks that the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) is an attempt to impose a three-language formula throughout the country.

Addressing the inaugural function of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan here, Modi hailed Marathi as a complete language reflecting the elements of bravery and courage, beauty, sensitivity and equality.

“There has never been any animosity among Indian languages. Languages have always influenced and enriched each other,” Modi said.

He said often, when efforts were made to create divisions based on languages, India’s shared linguistic heritage gave a fitting reply.

“It is our social responsibility to distance ourselves from these misconceptions and embrace and enrich all languages,” the prime minister said.

Modi said India is one of the oldest living civilisations in the world because it has constantly evolved and embraced new ideas and welcomed new changes.

“The fact that India has the world’s largest linguistic diversity is a proof of this. This linguistic diversity is also the most fundamental basis of our unity,” Modi said.

NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, litterateur Tara Bhawalkar, the president of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sammelan, were present at the inaugural function, among others.

The three-day Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is being held in the national capital after a gap of 71 years and a year after Marathi was granted the classical language status. Modi said the event is being held in Delhi in the 350th year of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the centenary celebrations of the RSS.

“We take pride in the fact that in the great land of Maharashtra, a remarkable Marathi-speaking individual planted the seeds of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 100 years ago. Today, we celebrate its centenary. The organisation has grown and flourished like a banyan tree,” he said. “For the last 100 years, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been running a Sanskar Yagya to take India’s great tradition and culture to the new generation,” Modi said. He said the RSS has inspired lakhs of people like himself to live for the country and it is because of the Sangh that he got the privilege of connecting with the Marathi language and Marathi traditions.

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