“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis succinctly articulated this sentiment on another occasion when he said, “For a Nagpuri person like me, Pune’s Marathi means chaste and standard Marathi, so it is a matter of joy for all of us that the Vishwa Marathi Sammelan is being held in the abode of standard Marathi.” He was addressing the Vishwa Marathi Sammelan (Global Marathi Conference) held in Pune a few days ago.

Maharashtra and Marathi-speaking people are known for picking an argument over some controversy or other from time to time. The state’s Marathi language minister Uday Samant had made a reference to this peculiarity when he said that some people always created a controversy on any matter. Taking a dig at him, Fadanvis said that whether it is a literary conference, a drama conclave or a world Marathi conference, if there is no controversy, it cannot be a Marathi gathering. “Creating controversy is our permanent attitude. We are very sensitive people. We believe that there should be a debate and a counter-debate. I have known about a book called ‘Kuvalaya Mala’ written in the eighth century. In that book, different qualities and aspects of Marathi people are mentioned. In its one of the chapters, it was written that Marathi people like to quarrel. So, don’t worry too much if there is an argument.”

Fadanvis made it a point to record that this is the first conference after Marathi language has been given the status of a classical language. He thanked the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for this gesture. The Global Marathi Conference is held primarily for the Marathi-speaking people coming from other countries.

The Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is a landmark occaison for literary discussions by. The first Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was held in 1878 at Pune under the chairmanship of Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade. The Sammelan will thus be returning to the nation’s capital after a gap of 71 years. The previous was held in 1954 and inaugurated by then PM Pandit Nehru. The 98th Sammelan will be opened by Narendra Modi in a mood to celebrate Marathi literature’s enduring contribution into shaping India’s cultural identity. Noted writer Dr. Tara Bhavalkar has been unamimously elected to preside over the Sammelan. Another prominent presence will be that of veteran leader Sharad Pawar,  elected chairman of the Reception Committee.

To enable more and more enthusiasts to attend, a special train will leave from Pune to Delhi, thanks to the initiative of Union minister of state Murlidhar Mohol, a former Pune mayor. will transport literary enthusiasts from Maharashtra to Delhi. This train journey will offer a space for dialogue, exchange and mutual understanding of the lovers of Marathi literature.

Marathi language achieved a milestone in October last year as it was granted a Classical Language status, alongside Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali. A  prolonged struggle had been waged to secure this recognition. In a manner of speaking, this endorsement has celebrated Marathi’s contributions to India’s intellectual heritage. With the conferment of this status, Marathi will benefit from targeted support, including governmental funding for research and its further enrichment.

The choice of Delhi as the venue for this year’s Sammelan is quite symbolic. As India’s capital, Delhi represents unity in diversity, making it an ideal platform to showcase the Marathi literature’s contribution to the nation’s literary and cultural framework.

The Sammelan venue will be named as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sahitya Nagari (Literary Borough) to reflect Maharashtra’s cultural pride. It was the legendary Maratha Emperor, who was the first to champion the use of Marathi in governance and private correspondence. Key areas of the venue have been named to honour icons like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak,  Dr B.R.Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, Yashwantrao Chavan and Bajirao Peshwa, highlighting the region’s rich nationalistic, literary, cultural and intellectual contributions.

The Sammelan will discuss topics such as translation, cultural preservation, the role of language in shaping society and the challenges of modern technological advances. As India marches toward becoming a Vikasit Bharat (Developed India), these discussions will underscore the potential of literature and culture to unite a diverse nation.

The Sammelan has been a testimony to the transformative power of literature. Its 147-year history is a testament to how Marathi literature has shaped social consciousness and reflected the idea of India.

The Sammelan has been graced by luminaries whose focus was to use literature as a tool for reform and dialogue to align with the societal and political challenges of that relevant period. This tradition of inclusivity is the soul of the  Sammelan. Its commitment to diversity ensures that literature serves as a unifying force that articulates all voices.

Marathi literature demonstrates that languages are more than linguistic entities. They are instruments of cultural integration and social reform. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, Marathi has consistently contributed to the idea of India as a united and diverse nation.

The 98th Sammelan will emphasise that a classical language’s true strength is engaging with other languages and cultures. Marathi’s tradition of inclusivity and collaboration provides a template for other regional languages, ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world. More than a mere celebration of Marathi literature, the Sammelan will serve as a platform for envisioning a future where languages and cultures unite people across India. From fostering educational opportunities to inspiring artistic collaborations, Marathi’s journey as a classical language offers a roadmap for building a harmonious and inclusive nation. The Sammelan is an invite for people from all regions to engage in meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange, according to Anuj Nahar of Sarhad.