Maharashtra Pushes Marathi In US Schools As Language Debate Rages At Home

In a cultural boost for the Marathi diaspora, the Maharashtra government has pledged to support Marathi schools in the United States by providing a formal curriculum and recommending their recognition to local authorities.

During his visit to the Bay Area, Maharashtra's Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, met office bearers of the Maharashtra Mandal, which runs Marathi schools in California and other parts of the US. Shelar assured them that the state government will provide a curriculum for these institutions and initiate recommendations to American administrators.

Preserving Marathi Language & Culture Abroad

These Marathi schools, some of which have been running since 2005, aim to teach children the Marathi language, culture, history and folk traditions. Over 50 such schools are operational across the US, run by volunteers from the Marathi community. In the Bay Area alone, around 300 students are learning Marathi.

Shelar said the state would coordinate with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and School Education Minister Dada Bhuse to offer necessary administrative and educational assistance.

Curriculum, Exams & Certification Soon

Local school officials highlighted the need for a standardised curriculum, exam structure and certification process for students. They believe official support will lend credibility and continuity to Marathi language education abroad.

Irony Amid Maharashtra’s Language Policy Debate

The announcement comes even as a controversy brews in Maharashtra over making Hindi compulsory in Marathi-medium schools from Grade 1. While the state defends the policy, many Marathi families prefer enrolling their children in English-medium schools for global opportunities. Ironically, it is Marathi families settled abroad who are actively working to preserve their native language.