No conflict between Marathi and Hindi: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at JNU

NEW DELHI: Dismissing the ongoing Marathi-Hindi language war, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said there is no dispute between the two languages, and "those who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj cannot be narrow-minded about the language issue". Speaking at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he said that while some people "may have a problem with Shivaji Maharaj, those are very few in number".Calling Marathi a symbol of pride, the CM—addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Kusumagraj Special Centre for Marathi Language, Literature and Culture at JNU—said it was among India's ancient languages and had enriched the country's cultural legacy. "Marathi language is an ancient language of India. It has enriched the whole of India," he said, adding, "Just as a Marathi curriculum is being introduced at JNU, the same should happen in other universities as well." He also emphasised that language should not be a source of conflict. "Language cannot be a medium of dispute. Marathi, as a mother tongue, is our pride," he said. Taking a dig at the opposition, he said, "Some people seem to have an allergy to Shivaji Maharaj — such people can be counted on one's fingers."During the event, Fadnavis and his cabinet minister, Uday Samant, delivered their entire speeches in Marathi. JNU vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit's address also occasionally included Marathi. The event was moderated entirely in Marathi.The CM also laid the foundation stone for the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at JNU. The current head of the Maratha royal family of Thanjavur, Shivaji Rajah Bhonsle Chattrapathi, was also present on the occasion. Fadnavis said it was a matter of pride that a Marathi language study centre was being launched at the national capital's premier university. "A centre for the study of Marathi language is being started and there is talk of installing a statue of Shivaji Maharaj. I welcome this move," he said.He added that all Indian languages are given equal respect although English language is sometimes given undue importance. "English is sometimes given too much importance. Seeing this, it often feels very painful," he said.Maharashtra cabinet minister Uday Samant, while addressing the event, announced that the university has shown a positive attitude towards a proposal of installing a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on campus and holding discussions on the same.JNU vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said, "We are the most nationalist university, with our alumni holding top positions in the armed forces." Taking a jibe at the Left she added, "They were in power for so many years but never appointed a woman as vice-chancellor." She invited students across the country to join JNU by saying, "Write CUET and NET and come to JNU to study." The VC also announced that the university plans to launch an annual "National Dialogue" platform to bring together scholars and policymakers.