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Indian Express
06-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Still marking errors at 100, Yasmin Shaikh's love for Marathi remains untouched
Every evening, a centenarian woman in Pune sits by her window with a red-ink pen in hand, marking grammatical errors in newspapers, not to prove a point, but in response to her unwavering devotion to a language she's loved all her life. 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.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Imposing Hindi threat to linguistic, cultural identity: Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad has objected to the state government's latest decision about Hindi as a third optional language from Class 1, calling it 'a threat to the linguistic and cultural identity of Maharashtra.' In a meeting held on Thursday, the Parishad demanded an immediate withdrawal of the government resolution (GR) dated June 17, giving the government a seven-day deadline to revoke the decision. Attendees at the meeting included Prof Milind Joshi, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, author and language advisor Laxmikant Deshmukh, and noted writer Achyut Godbole. Prof Joshi said, 'We have formally written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the government to immediately withdraw the GR. This policy is in direct contradiction to the NEP and even contradicts education minister Dadaji Bhuse's public statement in Pune on May 25, where he had said the plan to introduce a third language from Class 1 was on hold.' The members of the literary body argued that the state's new policy violates this framework and has been reintroduced without consulting education experts, literary bodies, or the state language advisory committee. Deshmukh, chairperson of the advisory committee, said, 'The imposition of Hindi, even indirectly, is viewed as a cultural and linguistic imposition. Marathi already faces growing pressure from Hindi in Maharashtra. This move will only deepen the crisis.' He also flagged the acute shortage of qualified language teachers, especially in rural and zilla parishad schools. 'Many primary schools have just one or two teachers. Without fresh recruitment, enforcing this policy using existing staff is both unrealistic and unjust,' he added. The parishad also questioned the rationale behind Maharashtra being the only state to mandate a third language from Class 1. 'Why should Maharashtra deviate from the national norm? No other state has implemented such a move,' said Prof Joshi. The group has warned that if their demands are ignored, they may launch a statewide peaceful protest in defence of the Marathi language and identity. Educationist and language expert and president of the 98th Marathi Literary Meet at New Delhi, Tara Bhawalkar said, 'A child must first gain mastery in their mother tongue. Only when their foundation is strong can they learn other languages effectively.' She cautioned that forcing three languages too early—especially for children with limited academic support at home—could cause confusion and learning setbacks. 'Till Class 4, all subjects should be taught in the mother tongue. Additional languages can be introduced from Class 5 onwards, with the third language starting in Class 7,' she said. Meanwhile, school education minister Dadaji Bhuse, responding to the growing debate, said the policy allows flexibility. 'In Marathi and English medium schools, Hindi will generally be the third language from Classes 1 to 5. However, students may opt for another Indian language instead of Hindi, provided at least 20 students in a class make the request. If not, the alternate language will be taught online,' he said.
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad threatens protest against three-language policy
The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, along with the head of the Maharashtra Language Consultation Committee Laxmikant Deshmukh and other Marathi organisations, threatened to protest against the state government's three-language policy for primary education. The organisations strongly opposed the amended June 17 government resolution (GR) that makes Hindi or any other Indian language compulsory from class 1 onwards, along with Marathi and English. According to the new GR, Hindi will be the third language taught from Class 1 onwards. However, any student can opt to learn any other Indian language as their third language as well. If over 20 students wish to learn a language other than Hindi, a teacher will be provided for that language. If the number of students is less than 20, they will be taught the language through online mode of learning. At a press conference on Wednesday, Milind Joshi, chairman of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, said, 'In Maharashtra, we had to protest to make Marathi a compulsory language in education, but now we have to have meetings to ask the government to not make Hindi compulsory… Many Marathi organisations have gathered to write a letter to the CM to cancel the GR released today.' Deshmukh said, 'The Chief Minister has said that a third language other than Hindi can be chosen, but we do not accept a third language. We do not want it… We know how teachers struggled online during COVID-19. Teaching a third language online is not okay and it won't happen as well. Indirectly — due to Hindi teachers being available as it is already being taught in Class 5 — it will be imposed. We don't oppose Hindi from Class 5, we just do not accept it being taught from Class 1. Otherwise, it is being taught for the last 20-30 years from Class 5.' Deshmukh also claimed that the Modi government's New Education Policy 2020 does not mandate teaching a third language from Class 1. The letter, signed by Joshi and Deshmukh, said that according to child psychology, learning three languages at a young age is extremely difficult. It also said due to the lack of teachers, in many cases Class 8 students aren't able to read English and Marathi texts from Class 2. It added that in such a low quality teaching environment, teaching another language will be even more distressing for the student. Next, the letter raised the question of 'Hindikaran' of Maharashtra, and that even cities like Nashik and Pune have 'become Hindi'. It said teaching a language other than Hindi will not be possible in most cases due to a lack of qualified teachers, and the quality of online education is known for being poor. It stated Hindi is 'attacking' Marathi and erasing the latter's identity. The letter also stated, 'No other state is teaching three languages from Class 1, then why are we imposing this on Maharashtra?' Joshi stated that the organisation was a non-political entity related to literature and culture, but that they would have to come out and protest on the streets if the government's decision is not taken back. Soham is a Correspondent with the Indian Express in Pune. A journalism graduate, he was a fact-checker before joining the Express. Soham currently covers education and is also interested in civic issues, health, human rights, and politics. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Satara to host 99th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan
The 99th 'Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan' will be held in Satara, marking the city's fourth time as host and its first in 32 years. The announcement came after a unanimous decision by the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal during its meeting in Pune on Sunday, June 8. The responsibility of organising this grand literary event has been entrusted to the Shahupuri branch of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad in Satara, along with the Mavla Foundation. The selection of Satara followed a structured process. A venue selection committee, formed specifically for this purpose, visited all applicant institutions. Proposals to host the meeting were received from Sadanand Sahitya Mandal (Audumbar), Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad Ichalkaranji Branch, Dakshin Maharashtra Sahitya Sabha (Kolhapur), and the Shahupuri branch of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad (Satara). After site visits, the committee convened on the morning of June 8 in Pune and unanimously chose Satara as the venue. This decision was ratified in a subsequent meeting of the Mahamandal, presided over by Prof Milind Joshi, president of the Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal. Also present were vice president Gurayya Swami, secretary Sunitaraje Pawar, and treasurer Vinod Kulkarni. However, the dates for the event are yet to be finalised. Prof Milind Joshi expressed his thoughts on Satara receiving this honour again. 'Satara is getting the opportunity to host this prestigious literary gathering after 32 years. The last time was in 1993, under the presidency of Vidyadhar Gokhale. This honour is the result of persistent efforts by the Shahupuri branch over the past 12 years,' he said. The city first hosted the event in 1905, with Raghunath Pandurang Karandikar presiding. It later hosted the 44th meet in 1962 under the presidency of NV Gadgil, and the 66th meet in 1993 under Vidyadhar Gokhale. The event will take place at Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium, the same venue used in 1993. Spread over 14 acres, the stadium will feature the main pavilion, two additional pavilions, a large-scale book exhibition, and designated spaces for poetry and ghazal sessions, along with food arrangements.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Satara to host 99th edition of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan
Pune: The 99th edition of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan will be held in Satara, members of the organisation announced after a meeting in Pune on Sunday. The responsibility to host the event has been given to Satara's Shahupuri branch of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad and the Mavala Foundation. "This will be the fourth time that Satarawill host the Sahitya Sammelan and the first time in 32 years. The last time Satara hosted the Sammelan was in 1993 under the chairmanship of Vidyadhar Gokhale," Milind Joshi, president of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, said. Earlier, conferences were held in Satara in 1905, 1962, and 1993. The Sammelanwill be held at Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium, the venue of the 1993 event. It is spread across 14 acres and can accommodate 25,000 participants. A committee visited various proposed venues between June 5 and 7. Other organisations that expressed their wish to host it included Sadanand Sahitya Mandal (Audumbar), Ichalkaranji branch of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Dakshin Maharashtra Sahitya Sabha (Kolhapur), and Shahupuri branch (Satara) of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad. The Shahupuri branch actively pursued this opportunity for the last 12 years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Earlier this year, the 98th edition of the Sahitya Sammelan was held in New Delhi. Pune: The 99th edition of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan will be held in Satara, members of the organisation announced after a meeting in Pune on Sunday. The responsibility to host the event has been given to Satara's Shahupuri branch of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad and the Mavala Foundation. "This will be the fourth time that Satarawill host the Sahitya Sammelan and the first time in 32 years. The last time Satara hosted the Sammelan was in 1993 under the chairmanship of Vidyadhar Gokhale," Milind Joshi, president of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, said. Earlier, conferences were held in Satara in 1905, 1962, and 1993. The Sammelanwill be held at Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium, the venue of the 1993 event. It is spread across 14 acres and can accommodate 25,000 participants. A committee visited various proposed venues between June 5 and 7. Other organisations that expressed their wish to host it included Sadanand Sahitya Mandal (Audumbar), Ichalkaranji branch of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Dakshin Maharashtra Sahitya Sabha (Kolhapur), and Shahupuri branch (Satara) of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad. The Shahupuri branch actively pursued this opportunity for the last 12 years. Earlier this year, the 98th edition of the Sahitya Sammelan was held in New Delhi.
