Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) — The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday launched a campaign in Goregaon to promote the Marathi language by mobilising auto-rickshaw drivers to display boards reading “I Know Marathi” on their vehicles. The move, announced to the media in Mumbai, was intended to raise visibility for the state language and prompt conversations about local linguistic identity.
MNS leader Sanjay Naik told reporters the campaign was not aimed at any particular community but at emphasising the cultural importance of Marathi. He said the language is central to Maharashtra’s heritage and that people who live and work in the state should make an effort to learn it in order to integrate more easily into society.
“I am fighting for the Marathi language. I am fluent in Hindi as well, but I want everyone to understand that Maharashtra has its own distinct identity and language. If one intends to live here, work here, and raise a family, then learning and using Marathi is essential,” Naik said, adding he apologises if the initiative unintentionally hurt anyone’s sentiments.
Naik also acknowledged the long-standing contributions of North Indians who have settled in Maharashtra, raised families and become part of the social fabric, reiterating that the campaign is meant to encourage awareness and respect rather than exclusion.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters welcome it as a step to preserve and promote Marathi and to reinforce regional pride. Critics argue the measure could amount to social pressure under the guise of protecting identity and risk alienating communities that contribute to the state’s economy and society.
By placing “I Know Marathi” boards on auto-rickshaws, the MNS aims to increase the language’s visibility in everyday life. Whether viewed as cultural assertion or political signalling, the campaign highlights the ongoing debate in Maharashtra over balancing regional identity with inclusivity in a diverse state.
Original Source: https://tripurachronicle.in/national-news/maharashtra-mns-launches-i-know-marathi-campaign-on-auto-rickshaws-in-goregaon/
Category: National News
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Publish Date: 2026-04-23 07:29:00
