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Opinion

PM Modi to Kick Off 98th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on February 21. This prestigious literary gathering, which returns to the capital after a gap of 71 years, is poised to showcase the richness of Marathi literature and its ever-growing relevance in the modern world. The event will commence at 4:30 PM, with Prime Minister Modi delivering an address to attendees, marking a historic moment in the Marathi literary community.

Scheduled to run from February 21 to 23, the Sammelan will serve as a dynamic forum for celebrating the long-standing traditions of Marathi literature and its profound influence on contemporary discourse. This year’s event will not only celebrate Marathi literary achievements but will also dive into vital topics such as language preservation, the growing influence of digitalization on literature, and the challenges of translation.

A Historic Gathering of Literary Minds

The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is a major cultural event, drawing participants from every corner of the country. It will feature a series of panel discussions, book exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions with prominent literary figures. These sessions will provide an invaluable opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of Marathi literature while also reflecting on its enduring impact.

The event will delve into crucial themes related to language preservation, with an emphasis on how the Marathi language continues to thrive in an era dominated by English and other global languages. Another key topic will be the role of digital technology in reshaping the way literature is written, published, and consumed. How digitalization is both an opportunity and a challenge for Marathi literature will be thoroughly discussed.

Participants in the Sammelan will also witness more than 2,600 poetry submissions, with some of India’s finest literary talents showcasing their work. In addition to this, there will be 50 book launches and over 100 bookstalls, highlighting the growing diversity of Marathi literary works. This includes both traditional literary forms and modern, experimental writings, which resonate with the younger generation.

In an extraordinary demonstration of the unifying power of literature, 1,200 participants will travel from Pune to Delhi by train to attend the event, symbolizing how literature binds people from different backgrounds and regions of India. This literary journey, which emphasizes the power of words to bring communities together, will serve as a prelude to the rich cultural and intellectual experience that the 98th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan promises to be.

The Recognition of Marathi as a Classical Language

The recent decision by the Indian government to grant Marathi classical language status will be a focal point at the Sammelan. This recognition highlights the rich cultural heritage and timeless legacy of Marathi literature, which spans centuries of storytelling, drama, poetry, and philosophical exploration. The classical status is a significant achievement for the language, ensuring its continued promotion and growth, not only in India but on the global stage as well.

The recognition of Marathi as a classical language will also ensure that resources are allocated for preserving ancient manuscripts and promoting Marathi works in educational institutions worldwide. It represents a huge leap in safeguarding and advancing the Marathi literary heritage for future generations.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Address: Emphasizing the Role of Language and Culture

On the eve of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar took the opportunity to address the significance of the event and the importance of nurturing India’s cultural wealth. During his interaction with the delegates, he highlighted how a country’s language is the most authentic expression of its cultural identity.

Dhankhar stressed the unparalleled cultural heritage of India, stating, “A country is defined by its cultural wealth, its cultural ethos. Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity, is unique. No country in the world can compare to us, with thousands of years of civilizational ethos.” His words resonate deeply with the spirit of the Sammelan, which celebrates the beauty and richness of Marathi literature and its integral place in India’s diverse cultural mosaic.

The Vice President further acknowledged the collective efforts behind organizing such a prestigious event, expressing gratitude to all those involved in preserving and promoting Marathi literature. “It is our duty, and in a sense, a constitutional ordainment from our founding fathers, to nurture our culture and languages. This can only be achieved by supporting those who work tirelessly to preserve, disseminate, and expand our literature,” Dhankhar noted.

While discussing the importance of language in a democratic society, Vice President Dhankhar highlighted that “Freedom to think and nurture in our own language is a freedom deeply integrated into our democratic system.” He emphasized that language is not merely a vehicle for communication but also reflects the societal challenges, contemporaneous issues, and the wisdom embedded in the collective experience of a people.

The importance of Marathi as more than just a means of communication cannot be overstated. Over the centuries, Marathi literature has reflected the evolving political, social, and cultural landscape of Maharashtra and India. From the days of Shivaji Maharaj to the contributions of social reformers like Jyotirao Phule, Marathi literature has consistently mirrored the larger socio-political shifts that have shaped India’s journey.

Dhankhar also paid tribute to the great personalities associated with Maharashtra, noting, “Maharashtra is known for its great personalities. If pride is to be defined, it is Maratha pride. If chivalry is to be defined, it is symbolized by Shivaji Maharaj and Rana Pratap.” His speech underscored the connection between Marathi culture and the broader Indian historical narrative.

Looking Forward: The Future of Marathi Literature

The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan marks a new chapter in the evolution of Marathi literature. As the Sammelan moves forward, it is clear that Marathi will continue to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s literary future. The event not only recognizes the historical significance of the language but also positions it to thrive in the digital age, where new technologies present both opportunities and challenges for literary preservation.

Looking ahead, one of the key goals of the Sammelan will be to explore how Marathi literature can continue to grow in an era of rapid technological advancement. Whether through the translation of works into multiple languages or the use of digital platforms to share Marathi literature with the global audience, the future of the language remains bright.

Furthermore, the inclusion of young writers and innovative thinkers at this year’s Sammelan ensures that the next generation of Marathi authors and poets will carry the literary torch forward. The interplay between traditional Marathi literature and modern interpretations will continue to shape the future of the language.

The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi is set to be an exceptional celebration of Marathi culture, language, and literary achievements. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration, the event is poised to make a significant mark in the cultural calendar of India. From exploring the future of Marathi literature in the digital age to recognizing the classical status of the language, the Sammelan is a pivotal moment for the Marathi-speaking community.

As the event unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to inspire a renewed sense of pride and commitment to preserving and promoting Marathi literature. Through this gathering of intellectuals, poets, and literary enthusiasts, the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan reaffirms the importance of literature as a vehicle for cultural preservation and national unity. The event’s success will resonate not only in Maharashtra but across India, ensuring that Marathi literature remains a key player in the nation’s literary discourse for years to come.

Politics, Nation

Prime Minister Modi Highlights Absence of Foreign Interference Ahead of 2025 Budget Session

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As the Indian Parliament gears up for the 2025 Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media, emphasizing a notable shift in the prelude to this year’s proceedings. For the first time since 2014, there have been no external attempts to create disturbances in India before the commencement of a session.

A Decade-Long Challenge

Historically, India’s parliamentary sessions, especially the Budget sessions, have been marred by external interferences. These disruptions often aimed to ignite controversies or unrest, diverting attention from crucial legislative discussions. Prime Minister Modi, in his address, remarked, “This is the first session without any foreign meddling.” He further elaborated, “Since 2014, this is the first Parliament session which saw no ‘videshi chingari’ (foreign interference) in our affairs, in which no foreign forces tried to ignite a fire.”

While the Prime Minister’s comments highlighted the absence of foreign interference, they also carried an implicit critique of domestic entities. Modi pointed out that such attempts were common before every Budget session and noted, “I had noticed this before every Budget session. And many in our country leave no stone unturned to fan these sparks.” This observation underscores the internal challenges faced by the government in maintaining focus amidst external provocations.

Anticipation for the 2025 Budget Session

The 2025 Budget Session is poised to be a landmark in India’s legislative history. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of the upcoming discussions, stating, “In this session, as always, many historic bills will be discussed in the House and after extensive brainstorming, they will become laws that will strengthen the nation.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to re-establishing the pride of women power, ensuring that every woman gets a respectable life and equal rights without any discrimination of caste and creed. “Many important decisions will be taken in this session in this direction,” he asserted.

Reiterating his government’s focus, Modi stated that the administration has been working in a “mission mode” for comprehensive development, with innovation, inclusion, and investment shaping its economic agenda. He emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, stating that key decisions would be taken to ensure equal rights and eliminate any sectarian or faith-based discrimination.

Expressing confidence in parliamentary proceedings, the Prime Minister urged all MPs, especially first-time legislators, to contribute meaningfully to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ during the session. He emphasized the importance of active participation and collaboration in shaping the nation’s future.

The absence of foreign interference ahead of the 2025 Budget Session marks a significant milestone for India’s parliamentary proceedings. As the nation prepares for extensive legislative discussions, the government’s focus on innovation, inclusion, and investment underscores its commitment to comprehensive development. The emphasis on women’s empowerment and equal rights further highlights the progressive agenda set for this session. With active participation from all parliamentarians, the 2025 Budget Session is poised to usher in transformative changes for India.

Travel, Politics, Culture

PM Modi reflects on Maha Kumbh Festival in Man ki Baat

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat address on Sunday, December 29, 2024, described the forthcoming ‘Maha Kumbh’ as the “mahakumbh of unity.” He urged participants to leave the grand congregation with a renewed determination to eliminate hate and division from society.

Highlighting the event’s significance, PM Modi said, “Maha Kumbh ka sandesh ek ho pura desh (The message of the Maha Kumbh should be that the entire country must be united).” The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, will take place in Prayagraj starting January 13.

The Prime Minister emphasized the diversity of the participants at Maha Kumbh, calling it a unique example of India’s unity in diversity. “Maha Kumbh’s speciality lies not just in its vastness but also in its diversity,” he remarked. This religious gathering, attracting millions from across the globe, stands as a testament to India’s cultural richness and spiritual ethos.

PM Modi’s call for unity resonates deeply, as the event symbolizes collective faith and a shared purpose among people of varied backgrounds and beliefs.

Republic Day to Mark 75 Years of the Constitution

In his address, PM Modi also spotlighted the upcoming Republic Day, which will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the implementation of the Indian Constitution. He referred to this milestone as a “matter of pride for the countrymen” and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Constitution.

“The Constitution is our guiding light. It has stood the test of time and remains a foundation for justice and equality,” he said. He credited the Constitution for enabling him to rise to his current position and called for collective efforts to honor its values.

To deepen public engagement, the government has launched constitution75.com, a platform aimed at educating citizens about the Constitution’s principles and spirit. Addressing criticism, PM Modi countered allegations by opposition parties that his government has undermined constitutional values. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Constitution and accused the Congress of actions that, in the past, compromised its sanctity.

“The Constitution ensures justice, equality, and opportunity for all. It is a beacon for our democratic journey,” PM Modi reiterated.

As the Maha Kumbh approaches and the nation prepares to celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, these milestones underscore India’s unity and democratic legacy. Both events serve as reminders of the country’s cultural and constitutional strength, inspiring citizens to reflect on their shared heritage and collective responsibility.

In January, Prayagraj will become the focal point of spirituality, around 40 crore people are expected to turn out in Prayagraj this year for the holy dip, while Republic Day will rekindle the spirit of patriotism, making the start of 2025 a celebration of India’s diverse yet united identity.