Maharashtra Government Approves Classical Marathi Studies Center at Deccan College

Pune, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian government has officially sanctioned the establishment of a Classical Marathi Studies Center at the historic Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute in Pune. This decision comes after the significant move to grant Marathi the status of a classical language.

The approval paves the way for substantial central funding and dedicated research infrastructure aimed at preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Marathi language. It will also facilitate the creation of professor positions for Marathi studies at prominent central universities.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant welcomed this decision. Fadnavis expressed his delight, stating that the central government has granted approval for the establishment of the excellence center, which was a key demand from the state.

He added that the state government has already initiated the process of preparing a detailed project report (DPR). With this approval, the submission of the DPR and the acquisition of necessary central funds can now proceed.

Fadnavis noted that this decision, taken on the eve of Classical Marathi Language Day, instills immense pride among the people of Maharashtra and Marathi speakers worldwide.

Minister Uday Samant described the approval as a significant step towards the preservation of Marathi language, literature, history, and culture. He emphasized that the DPR, prepared by experts, will ensure substantial support from the central government for various research and preservation projects.

Samant further stated that this center will provide a new direction for academic studies in Marathi. Deccan College, one of India’s oldest heritage institutions, will host this new specialized research center.

The state’s detailed project report will now be formally submitted to the central government for dedicated funding. According to a government release, the center will lead initiatives in historical linguistics, digitization of ancient texts, literary preservation, and cultural research.

This decision follows the granting of classical language status to Marathi on October 3, 2024, and was approved by the central cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.