Marathi and its importance

The origin of the Marathi language is a moot point. It is traced to the 8th or the 12th century A.D. and is claimed to have emanated from Sanskrit-Prakrit. It is said that the honor of being the first Marathi literary writer goes to Mukundaraja who in 1188 A.D. wrote Viveksindhu in the form of ovi or verses. Marathi is the state language of Maharashtra. The 7.38% of the Indian population, i.e. 62,481,681 people, spoke Marathi (1991 Census). Percentage-wise, it is the 4th widely spoken Indian language. Marathi language is very rich and is full of stories, novels, biographies, essays, dramas, history, poetry, saint literature, folk-literature, dictionaries, science, magazines, newspapers, etc. Marathi dramas have a strong base. There are regional variations in its pronunciation and by accent one would notice the region. For the promotion of and spread of knowledge in Marathi, the Maharashtra Government has set up a body called the State Board for Literature & Culture based in Mumbai. Annual conventions of Marathi litterateurs take place all over Maharashtra and have gained importance.

Location

Pune is a city located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Capital of Pune District and the 8th largest urban agglomeration in India with a population of 3.5 million, it is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra. It is located roughly 120 kilometres east of Mumbai at an altitude of 560 metres above sea level. It is situated at the eastern edge of the Western ghats on the Deccan plateau.

Pune is widely considered the cultural capital of Marathi-speaking Maharashtrians. Pune has a reputation for its several esteemed colleges and educational institutions-- the reason why it is called the Oxford of the East (or 'Oxford of India'). It has a very strong presence in the automobile sector and is on its way to consolidate its position as the 'Detroit of India' too. Once referred as a ‘Pensioners’ paradise’ it is now home to many software and IT companies.

The Program

The syllabus is designed according to the students’ proficiency level and their focus of interest. The medium of instruction for all classes is Marathi.