India is known to be a land of diversity. Yet, the largest democracy in the world, India is united in its diversity. In every state, one will find a mix of people from other states of India, and still, every state preserves its heritage and culture. Maharashtra is also a home for people from so many states from all across India and also from across the world. The state accepts people with open arms, and in due course of time, they are drawn to the rich Marathi culture.
Though English is an international language that should be taught to every child now to enable them to be true global citizen, one should remember their root. Nowadays, it is a common practice that even at home, parents speak in English with their children and not in their mother tongue. However, it is easy to forget a language but challenging to learn. So, urban parents should be conscious about teaching their mother tongue to children so that they can appreciate the literature and scripts in the language. Even songs are a good medium for introducing children to their mother tongue. The National Education Policy also stresses using regional languages and a mother tongue for early childhood education. Learning one’s mother tongue builds a sense of pride and belonging in a child. Also, a child can express themselves better in his mother tongue than any other language.
Though English medium schools are on the rise, and rightly so, as English is a must in later life, one must remember the importance of the regional language. At Symbi Stars, Symbiosis’ kindergarten we try to instil this love for Marathi in the children. Thus, love for one’s mother tongue is inculcated through celebrations like the Marathi Bhasha Diwas, celebrated every year on February 27. Maharashtra was established as a Marathi-speaking state on May 1, 1960. Marathi Bhasha Divas or Marathi Language Day is celebrated annually on February 27 to honour the birth anniversary of famous Marathi poet Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar, popularly known as ‘Kusumagraj.’ Shirwadkar was an eminent Marathi poet, playwright, novelist, short story writer, and humanist.
By being in touch with one’s mother tongue, children will be able to appreciate the works of such great poets and learn to express their thoughts eloquently.