Pune: Marathi, now recognized as a classical language, is poised to see significant growth in both academic and research domains. With this status, Marathi can now be studied across 450 universities nationwide, allowing for extensive research and development in the language.

Additionally, various initiatives aimed at promoting Marathi to the youth can now be launched, fostering greater engagement with the language.

Leading authors and literary figures expressed their optimism about the future of Marathi, emphasizing how classical status will contribute to its development as a language of knowledge.

Speaking to media persons, they outlined the possible benefits and responsibilities that come with this new designation.

Dr. Raja Dixit, a senior literary figure, highlighted the crucial role every individual must play in advancing the Marathi language. He pointed out that increasing the Marathi vocabulary and creating terminology for new global knowledge is essential.

“It is important to strengthen the standard language, preserve regional dialects, and create a Marathi cultural environment at home for children studying in English. Every Marathi individual should reflect on how they can contribute to the growth of the language,” he said.

Speaking to mediapersons, Senior writer Laxmikant Deshmukh emphasized the financial backing that comes with classical status, urging the government to allocate ₹100 crores for the promotion and research of Marathi.

Deshmukh proposed the establishment of advanced centers for the study of classical languages in central universities across India, suggesting that a Center of Excellence for Marathi should also be created to boost academic interest.

He noted that Maharashtra’s state government must work with the central government to secure consistent funding for these projects, adding that this recognition will facilitate Marathi’s evolution into a language of knowledge.