Make Marathi first language till SSC in Maharashtra

I learned the first lesson in Marathi from my mother, who was a great fan of Na Si Phadke and Vi Sa Khandekar. 

In school, Marathi was my first language till HSC and I still remember the enthusiasm with which our teachers taught us Tutari (ek tutari dya maj anuni .. .. remember Harishchandrachi F ?) and  Zapurza (Keshavsut), the parts of Yayati (Khandekar). The introduction to Marathi classics in the school created interest and later grew unabated. Any one who wants to truly learn and appreciate the language should begin with Dnyaneshawar, Tukaram, Ramadas; not to forget Moropant, Vaman and Raghunath Pandit. 

Some of the contributors to modern Marathi are Ha Na  Apte, Pra Ke Atre, Na Si Phadke, Vi Sa Khandekar, Pu La, Sane Guruji, Kri Pra Khadilkar, Gadkari, Kirloskar, Deval, Ga Di Ma, Kusumagraj, Keshavsuta, Balkavi, Mardhekar, Bha Ra Tambe, Shanta Shelke, Vinda Karandikar and so on; the list is endless. 

In fact, I am fortunate to get at least basic introduction to the majority of the work of these personalities, through text books, even before HSC and so did the other students in our times. The condition of Marathi in Maharashtra today is not good. There are various reasons for the sorry state of affairs; less importance given to Marathi in school teaching is one of the major. The Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is expected to deliberate upon these issues and give recommendations to the Government. 

I suggest a simple legislative measure: make Marathi first language till SSC in Maharashtra, irrespective of the Board. Over a period of time, this single measure shall bring a sea of change. 

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Right to education

The Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act was supposed to be a giant leap towards universalization of education in India. However, it has acquired the dubious distinction of being the only fundamental right that exists just on paper.

More than seven years after the Constitution was amended in 2002 to make free and compulsory education to children in the age group of 6-14 a fundamental right and over four months after the historic Right to Education Bill was passed in Parliament, in August 2009, both the legislations are yet to be notified. Without notification, which is a mandatory step, the right to free and compulsory education remains just a goal.

The school dropouts are maximum in the age group of 6-14 years. The primary reason is economic. The implementation of the bill will help parents who are unable to educate their wards for economic reasons. It will also put a check on the child labor. The amended version of the Bill, makes special provision for the physically or mentally challenged children.


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