Latest news with #AvinashAwalgaonkar
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Rs35.7 lakh push to document, preserve Madiya language
1 2 Nagpur: The state govt has sanctioned Rs35.73 lakh for the Madiya Language Project at Riddhapur's Marathi Language University to safeguard one of the rarest Gond languages, spoken only in select pockets of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli. Madiya, a dialect steeped in oral traditions, songs and folklore, survives mainly among scattered Gond hamlets in Vidarbha's forest belt, especially in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts. However, decades of migration and the growing dominance of mainstream languages have left it vulnerable, with fewer young speakers carrying it forward. A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Marathi Language Department on Monday confirmed the sanction under the State Marathi Development Institute's grants. The amount will fund the project's further work — part of an ongoing initiative to document the dialect in a systematic manner. Vice-chancellor Dr Avinash Awalgaonkar told TOI that the project aligns with the university's expanded mandate following discussions in Mumbai after Marathi was granted the status of a classical language. "One important point that came to the fore was the conservation of other Marathi dialects spoken in various parts of Maharashtra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Retalhuleu: Kitchen Remodeling Trends in 2025 May Surprise You Kitchen Remodeling | Search ads Search Now Undo The state has entrusted the university with that responsibility." In one of the first such initiatives, led by researcher Manjiri Paranjpe who has worked extensively on Madiya, the university will be publishing her and her team's work. "The university will pitch wherever the gaps are needed to be fulfilled. This includes various documents, vocabulary lists, dictionaries, and books purely on the Madiya language," Dr Awalgaonkar said. The Madiya project is just the beginning. The VC said, "We also have other proposals in the pipeline. There are many such dialects, especially among the tribals, which are on the verge of extinction and that need to be conserved, documented for future generations." The GR notes that the Madiya Language Project was initiated to document the dialect and ensure its preservation in written form. The latest funding will support this effort, with the goal of creating a permanent linguistic record. Language scholars believe the project could serve as a model for preserving other endangered tribal tongues in Maharashtra. By formally documenting Madiya, they say, the university is helping ensure that the Gond community's voice — and the worldview embedded in its words — will not fade into silence. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
New Dawn, New Learnings: World's First Marathi University Opens In Amravati's Riddhapur
Nagpur/Riddhapur: In a landmark step for regional pride and linguistic scholarship, the world's first Marathi Language University commenced admissions for the 2025 academic session on July 1 in Riddhapur, a historic village in Amravati district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The event marked a significant cultural and academic development for Maharashtra and the broader Marathi-speaking community. Dr Avinash Awalgaonkar assumed office as the university's first vice-chancellor felicitated by Mahant Karanjekar Baba, the newly elected Akhil Bharatiya Mahanubhav Parishad president. "The establishment of this university comes at a time when Marathi has been granted classical language status — a recognition of its ancient literary tradition, rich legacy of classical works, and historical significance," Dr Awalgaonkar told TOI. "The university's mission is to channelise this cultural heritage into contemporary higher education, making Marathi not merely a subject of study but a medium through which diverse disciplines are taught and explored. Our vision is to make higher education accessible and prestigious in one's mother tongue. We want students to excel in modern careers without having to forgo their linguistic and cultural identity," he added. Blending Tradition and Modernity Officials emphasised that the curriculum extends beyond traditional language studies. "These courses are designed to open professional opportunities, from environmental management to tourism, all through Marathi as the primary medium of learning," explained senior faculty member Dr Sunita Sangole. Eligibility for diploma courses requires students to have passed Class 12 in any language medium. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The online admission process aims to attract aspirants from across Maharashtra and beyond. Riddhapur: A Symbolic Home For The University Riddhapur was selected as the university's location due to its significance. Situated approximately 40km from Amravati city, Riddhapur is a sacred site for followers of Mahanubhav Panth, a major spiritual movement in Maharashtra. The village is known for its tranquillity and cultural heritage, offering an inspiring setting for a university dedicated to preserving and promoting Marathi Local leaders anticipate that the institution will transform the region's educational and socio-economic landscape. "It's historic. Vidarbha will finally be seen as a knowledge hub for Marathi, and Riddhapur will shine brightly on the educational map of India," said Yashpal Gulde, a university official and local resident. As classes prepare to begin, the university stands as a tribute to Marathi's classical past and a bridge to its future. For millions of Marathi speakers, it signifies that their language is not only a cultural treasure but also a powerful medium for modern learning and global engagement. Vidarbha now has 3 language universities Vidarbha now hosts three language universities, a unique distinction within Maharashtra. Ramtek is home to Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, established to promote Sanskrit studies and research. Wardha houses the Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, an institution of national importance for Hindi language and literature. Riddhapur in Amravati district has become the proud seat of the world's first Marathi Language University. Courses offered - BA Marathi (language and script) - German, Russian, and English - BPA (Drama and Theatre) - BPA (Music) - BTTM (Tourism and Travel Management) - BEM (Environmental Management) Postgraduate programmes include MA Marathi (sociolinguistics and dialectology), Classical Marathi Language and Literature, Psychology, Geography and Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, and MPA (Music). Eligibility Criteria - Passed Class 12 (HSC) or equivalent exam for degree courses - Graduation in relevant subject required for postgraduate courses Admission Process - Online Registration: July 1 to 11, 2025 - Application forms available online at: - Online or offline submission possible - Email: marathibhashauni@ - Contact numbers: 0721-2990186, 9146382765
