Still marking errors at 100, Yasmin Shaikh's love for Marathi remains untouched
On June 21, Prof. Yasmin Shaikh turned 100. But she says, with quiet dignity, that longevity isn't her achievement; it's her independence and ability to read, write, and even proofread that bring her satisfaction. A grammarian, linguist, and teacher for over six decades, 'Yasmin tai'- as she's lovingly called – continues to work daily, not for money, but for her love for the Marathi language.
'Even today, I read every evening, I write, I proofread. I get calls from across India and even abroad asking me grammar-related questions,' she told The Indian Express.
Born Jerusha John Ruben in a Jewish family, Shaikh later married Aziz Ahmed Shaikh and took the name Yasmin. But her heart has belonged to Marathi from childhood. 'We spoke Marathi at home. I studied in a Marathi-medium school. My teachers made grammar feel magical,' she noted.
Making grammar and expressions lovable
While most people find grammar dry or intimidating, Shaikh finds it poetic. 'Grammar isn't dry. It's beautiful; it adds depth to our understanding of language. But it is taught poorly in schools, which is why students distance from it,' she says.
She recalls how one student at KC College in Mumbai once stopped her on the staircase and said, 'You've placed grammar in the palm of our hands. A subject we once found dull has now become fascinating.'
Despite her interfaith, cross-cultural background, her connection with Marathi remained steady. Her books, Marathi Lekhan Margadarshika and Marathi Shabdalekhankosh, are considered essential references by writers and teachers. 'I wrote them in simple Marathi, with relatable examples. That's why they value these books,' she told The Indian Express.
Shaikh is disheartened by the growing influence of English and Hindi in everyday Marathi speech. 'When young people mix it with other languages it weakens the soul of Marathi,' she said, adding that preserving linguistic purity in formal writing is vital. She strongly advocates standard Marathi in formal writing and urges everyone, especially the educated, to take ownership of preserving the language.
Reflections at 100
Despite receiving multiple awards, including one recently from the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, she remains resolute yet humble. 'I wonder sometimes, is long life a blessing or a burden? But instead of sitting with sorrow, I choose to stay immersed in what I love,' she said.
'This is a matter of pride and joy not just for all of us, but also for the entire Marathi language,' said Dilip Phaltankar, a long-time collaborator who has documented Shaikh's work. 'For nearly six decades, she has been teaching complex concepts in such an engaging way. While teaching, she would even conduct live demonstrations of correct pronunciation to make students understand.'
He added, 'Whenever I speak with her, she not only points out the errors in my articles but also takes the time to proofread them herself'.
Through every word, every correction, and every lesson she imparts, even at 100, she continues to stand tall as an example of persistence for the love for one's language.
Aryesh Chakraborty is an intern with The Indian Express.
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