Prime Minister Narendra Modi𝄹 on February 21,inaugurated the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi at Vigyan Bhavan, following an invitation from National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar.
🉐“Today, on the invitation of Sharad Pawar ji, I am honored to join this proud tradition,” Modi remarked during the inauguration. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Marathi writer Tara Bhawalkar, and Sammelan president Usha Tambe were also present at the event.
𝓰Expressing his affection for the Marathi language, Modi described it as “sweeter than nectar.” He added, “Marathi is sweeter than nectar, and you all know my love for the Marathi language and culture. While I may not be as proficient as you scholars, I have always strived to speak Marathi and learn new words.”
Modi☂ also highlighted his government's achievement in granting Marathi the status of a "classical language." “A few months ago, Marathi was granted classical language status. Over 120 million Marathi speakers worldwide had been waiting for this recognition for decades. It was my privilege to accomplish this task,” he said.
🍌The prime minister further noted that the literary festival was being held during India’s celebration of the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation.
ꦑThe conference, first organized in Pune in May 1878 by Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, is now being held in the national capital for the first time in 71 years, exploring Marathi literature’s continued relevance in contemporary discourse, according to a PMO release.
🎉Connecting his thoughts to Marathi culture, Modi remarked that it was a Marathi individual, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological inspiration behind the BJP. “A Marathi person sowed the seeds of RSS, which is celebrating its 100th year. It is a matter of pride that RSS inspired many, including myself, to live for the nation,” he said.
