Over 1 Lakh Non-Marathi Drivers Complete Functional Marathi Training; Remaining Drivers Urged to Finish by August 15

Mumbai, August 6: More than one lakh non-Marathi commercial passenger vehicle drivers across Maharashtra have successfully completed functional Marathi training under the ‘Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Learning Campaign’, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Thursday.

Calling Marathi a language of warmth rather than compulsion, Sarnaik said that anyone seeking employment in Maharashtra should build a connection with the state’s language and culture. He emphasized that drivers who greet passengers and communicate in Marathi become ambassadors of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.

Reviewing the progress of the campaign, Sarnaik appealed to the remaining eligible drivers to complete the training by August 15. The review meeting was attended by Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, senior litterateur Pradeep Dhawan, and representatives of the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad.

The minister said Marathi is not merely a medium of communication but the soul of Maharashtra’s identity and culture. He added that the campaign has received an overwhelming response from non-Marathi drivers, especially after Marathi was granted the status of a Classical Language, reflecting their respect for the state’s linguistic heritage.

The initiative, jointly implemented by the Maharashtra Government’s Marathi Language Department, Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, has evolved into a statewide people’s movement promoting linguistic harmony and better public interaction.

Campaign to Conclude on August 17

The campaign, launched on May 1, will conclude on August 17 at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane in the presence of the Chief Minister. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar, and Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant are also expected to attend.

Thousands of drivers who successfully completed the functional Marathi course will receive certificates from the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad during the closing ceremony.

The Transport Department has reiterated its appeal to all remaining non-Marathi commercial passenger vehicle drivers to complete the training by August 15, reinforcing the campaign’s message of respecting Marathi, strengthening communication with passengers, and fostering a deeper emotional bond with Maharashtra.