Amid the ongoing debate ignited by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over the state government’s move to introduce Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra schools, mid-day.com spoke to students and parents to gauge public opinion on the contentious issue.

A government resolution (GR) issued by the Maharashtra School Education Department on Tuesday sparked sharp criticism from Thackeray, who questioned whether similar language mandates would be implemented in other states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat or even Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He called the decision "politically motivated" and unnecessary, stating that two languages, Marathi and English, are sufficient for students to learn in Maharashtra.

“... मुलांवर हिंदी भाषा लादण्याचा सरकारचा प्रयत्न आहे, जो हाणून पाडला पाहिजे. यांत एकतर मुलांचं नुकसान आहेच पण मराठी भाषेचं नुकसान आहे.

सरकार काय वरून जे सांगतील त्याच्या मागे घरंगळत जायला तयार आहे, पण तुम्ही बळी पडू नका. तशी गरजच नाही. आणि तुम्हाला सरकारकडून जबरदस्ती झाली तर… pic.twitter.com/v5xgQH4IIM