Language or lineage? Where lies the problem?

Is a non-Marathi language precisely the problem in Maharashtra? Let’s come clean on that. Slowly and steadily, the political visions of our great elected leaders are materializing. The undercurrents of resentment are palpable, both among a certain section of Marathis as well as non-Marathi immigrants. The former, especially those loyal to the “Marathi Manoos” well-wisher brigade, cry foul at the batting of an eyelid to project that their bread has been snatched away and make every effort to extend negative vibes to North Indian communities, whereas the latter are an insecure lot, what with having to face ridiculous deadlines (the latest one being to be able to read, write, and speak the Marathi language within 40 days flat) every second day. The seed of hostility has been planted and our dear leaders are all set to establish their political career on the basis of this glorious ideology of divide and rule imbibed from our colonial predecessors.

Let’s come back to where I started-the language. Personally, I agree to the fact that one should definitely know the local language of the place where one plans to reside in. In fact, learning the local language makes communication easier and helps the ‘outsider’ the most. Moreover, it is an addition to one’s skills and enhances one’s personality in many ways-- but only if it is done willingly and pleasantly. An encouraging approach in this direction would have fetched not only accolades but also votes—are the concerned listening? If I were to believe in promoting the local language in order to preserve the culture of my state and community and had the means, as a leader, to propagate my views, I would have set up 24x7 free learning centres across the state by now. In this way, I would have also created employment opportunities for the “Marathi Manoos” as trainers. But intentions are not all that simple, I suppose. Such actions don’t create furors, and therefore defer from the basic political ideology. Deadlines and resentment provoking statements do the needful and that too without having to make much effort.

Keeping with the trend, many more similar issues will be worked upon to maintain hostility. But if this keeps growing, I shudder to think of what will become of this beautiful state in the times to come. Here, I cannot help but compare Maharashtra to West Bengal. Once upon a time, Calcutta was the capital of India and the most happening place. It boasted of all things good—an imperial status, scholastic minds, enormous wealth, etc. etc.—“Amar Shonar Bangla” indeed as they said it. The East India Company read it all and established itself there. Great visionaries from Bengal led our country to freedom in 1947. Ironically, the downfall of Bengal began post-independence. Pioneer Marxist leaders came to the forefront with the noble thought to lessen the wealth divide, to fight against poverty, to fight for the downtrodden. But smart as they were, they realized along the way that they now had to thrive on this ideology in a democratic India; their survival was at stake without the BPL votes. So, the Marxist government made every effort to retain the BPL population because they had to survive on giving this select population hope. Today, West Bengal is a sad case of poverty-ridden population hounded by unions and strikes and a pathetic growth rate. Let me not forget to mention here that this West Bengal does not include progress-seeking Bengalis who have moved out and made a mark in every field. Ask them if they contemplate returning to “Amar Shonar Bangla” today. The answer is obvious—they are out to seek progress, not poverty.

Now, do you not see the similarity? If some leaders were to have their way here in Maharashtra, they would make sure the “Marathi Manoos” does not think beyond Maharashtra and the Marathi language--because if they do so, they might become skilled and at par with the rest of the world. In such a situation, who will the leaders fight for? Their survival depends on a population labeled as victims of wrongdoing—after all there is no hope for their political career to take off if they cannot give hope to a select vote-bank. So they have to keep the resentment alive—it pays more than some betterment policy. And yes, progress-seeking Marathis are not a worried lot. They have the world at their feet bowing to their talent—ask Lata Mangeshkar, ask Sachin Tendulkar, ask Dr. Narlikar…the list is endless and they have a different story to tell—worth listening and far more inspiring.