Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday attended Vishwa Marathi Conference 2024 in the presence of Minister Deepak Kesarkar and Manisha Mhaiskar at CIDCO Exhibition Center, Vashi in Navi Mumbai.

Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais inaugurated the World Marathi Conference – Vishwa Marathi Sammelan 2024 – organized by the Department of School Education and Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra at CIDCO Exhibition Center Navi Mumbai. 

Bais has stressed the need for a collective initiative to promote the Marathi language and culture across the world.

Bais referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India to be among the top three economies of the world in the coming years, and also reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity in the country.

In an effort to promote and preserve the cultural richness of Maharashtra, Bais appealed to the people to collectively spread the essence of "Amritvani Marathi" across the globe.

He paid homage to Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Chakradhar Swami, Sant Tukaram, Sant Ramdas and others who have played a crucial role in shaping the cultural fabric of Maharashtra.

Bais laid emphasis on a "collective initiative to promote the Marathi language and culture worldwide," especially during this crucial time in India's history.

While addressing the linguistic challenges faced by regional languages, including Marathi, he expressed concern over the rising influence of English and underscored the need to protect and promote regional languages, encouraging the masses to continue using and practising them.

"A language becomes popular when it is embraced by the masses and practised by influential individuals," the governor said. Reflecting on the historical context, Governor Bais discussed the changing dynamics of language learning in India.

He noted that, historically, the country had promoted the learning of various languages, including Indian languages, and emphasised the need to revive this approach.