Mumbai: The 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference, being held in Delhi for the first time in nearly seven decades, marked a significant milestone for Marathi literature and culture.
About The Event
The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw prominent leaders like NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) President Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sharing the stage. A particularly striking moment during the ceremony was when PM Modi held Sharad Pawar's hand while lighting the inaugural lamp, a symbolic gesture of mutual respect despite their political differences. Later, after Pawar’s speech, Modi assisted him to his seat, offering him a glass of water—acts that drew considerable attention.
Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi addressed the gathering, beginning with a Marathi greeting. "I salute all the Marathi scholars who have gathered in the nation’s capital," he said, before sharing that whenever he thinks of Marathi, he is reminded of the abhang (devotional poem) by Saint Dnyaneshwar. Modi recited four lines from the abhang and added, "This reflects my love for Marathi, which you all know. Though I am not very proficient in Marathi, I always try to speak in it."
Modi extolled Marathi as a complete language that embodies bravery, beauty, sensitivity, and equality. He underscored that Indian languages have never been in conflict but have always influenced and enriched one another. Addressing language-based divisions, he remarked, "It is our responsibility to reject these misconceptions and embrace all languages."
He noted, "It is because of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh I became connected to the Marathi language and culture," and mentioned that a few months ago, Marathi had been granted the status of a classical language. "Over 120 million people around the world speak Marathi. I consider it my fortune to have had the opportunity to grant Marathi the status of a classical language," Modi added.
The conference provided a unique experience, with its atmosphere so steeped in literary passion that even those with little interest in literature found themselves captivated by the event. Sharad Pawar, as president of the conference, expressed his gratitude towards Modi for attending, sharing a personal anecdote.
"When I went to invite him for the inauguration, he didn’t take even a minute to accept. He said, ‘This is Maharashtra’s event, a gathering of scholars, and I will be present.’"
Sharad Pawar Expresses His Joy
Pawar also conveyed his joy about the conference being held in Delhi for the second time, saying, "I am truly pleased that Prime Minister Modi is attending this grand gathering of scholars. After Nehru, it is the second time a Prime Minister has attended the conference in Delhi."
The conference, which will run from February 21 to 23, features various literary events. The state government has approved an additional ₹2 crore in funding for the event, acknowledging the higher expenses associated with hosting it in Delhi. This is on top of the annual ₹2 crore financial assistance the state provides for the literary conference.
