Give priority to preservation of language: Raj Thackeray to Marathi-speakers

Raj Thackeray. File Pic

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday appealed Marathi-speakers to prioritize the preservation and promotion of their language, reported news agency PTI.

Raj Thackeray to Marathi-speakers: 'Why the people should not insist on using their language'

Speaking in Thane on the occasion of Marathi Bhasha Din (Marathi language day), celebrated on the birth anniversary of Jnanpith winner poet late V V Shirwadkar, Thackeray called on people to take a pledge to uphold the rich heritage of the language.

Why the people of Maharashtra should not insist on using their language when people of other states show love and respect for their own language, he said, reported PTI.

Raj Thackeray to Marathi-speakers: 'There should be festivities all year round to instil a sense of pride'

There should be festivities all year round to instil a sense of pride and belongingness towards Marathi, Thackeray said, reported PTI.

Poet Rabindranath Tagore and filmmaker Satyajit Ray achieved international acclaim while remaining rooted in Bengali, he noted, while stressing the need for the Marathi entertainment industry to evolve and adapt to contemporary trends to stay relevant and attract wider audiences.

Earlier, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has called upon teachers to refuse election duty, citing its adverse effects on students' education.

Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Thackeray cited a group of Shardashram School teachers who were concerned about the Election Commission of India's instruction to report for poll duty, stated a report in PTI.

"I asked them and others to not take up poll duty at the cost of teaching. Who will teach the students (during this time)? The ECI is not conducting polls for the first time. Why can't it come with its system and machinery for polls" he questioned during the presser, reported PTI.

According to the report, Thackeray criticised the Election Commission for pressuring teachers into accepting poll duty by threatening disciplinary action. "Teachers should not take up poll duty. I will see if the Election Commission takes action against you," he asserted.

Raj Thackeray recently made news after he demanded a Bharat Ratna for the founder of Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray who passed away in 2012.

Raj Thackeray, who is Balasaheb Thackeray's nephew, in a social media post wrote, "Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and S Swaminathan, father of the Indian Green Revolution, were posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna. S Swaminathan passed away just a few months ago. A scientist who achieved so much should have received this honour during his lifetime."

(With inputs from PTI)