New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today stated that “The best way to conquer a region is not merely by physically occupying it, but by taking control of its culture and destroying its language.”
While addressing the delegation of the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference at the Vice President’s residence today, he remarked, “Around 1200-1300 years ago, when everything was flourishing, when all was well, and the world looked up to us as a repository of knowledge, we had institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila in our hands. Then came the invaders, who were extremely oppressive and ruthless towards our language, culture, and religious sites. At that time, barbarism and retaliation were at their peak. Invaders struck at our hearts by establishing their presence over our religious sites. They suppressed our languages. He further stated that if our language does not flourish, history too will not thrive.”
He emphasized, “The greatest asset of any country is its cultural heritage, and among all aspects, language is the most authentic pillar of this heritage.”
Addressing the event, Dhankhar further noted, “Language extends beyond literature as it defines contemporary scenarios, prevailing conditions, and challenges of the time while also focusing on knowledge and wisdom.”
Highlighting the importance of the mother tongue, he stated, “In recent years, significant emphasis has been placed on language. After three decades, a great initiative has been undertaken. The key focus of this change is the mother tongue—the first language a child understands and thinks in. Scientific studies also indicate what is natural: What develops organically is comforting, sustainable, and beneficial for all.”
Expressing his joy over the recognition of Marathi as a classical language by the Government of India, the Vice President recalled the Maratha sovereignty and the legacy of Shivaji, saying, “If pride is to be defined, it is the pride of the Marathas.”
“In Part-15 of the Indian Constitution, where elections are discussed, whose image is depicted? Shivaji Maharaj’s. He never bowed down, and that is why the constitution makers, with thoughtful consideration and foresight, placed Shivaji Maharaj’s image in the section concerning elections.”
The event was graced by the Honorable Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, senior Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Pawar, Lok Sabha MP Smt. Supriya Sule, President of the All India Marathi Literary Conference Mandal, Professor Usha Tambe, Conference President Dr Tara Bhavkar, and the Vice President’s Secretary Sunil Kumar Gupta, among others.
