Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 11: Maharashtra Transport Minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has appealed to commercial passenger transport drivers from non-Marathi-speaking backgrounds to learn and use basic Marathi while interacting with passengers across the state.
In an open letter addressed to editors of Marathi newspapers and television news channels, Sarnaik sought media support for a campaign aimed at encouraging the use of Marathi in everyday public interactions, particularly in the passenger transport sector.
Stressing the importance of functional knowledge of Marathi, the minister said drivers engaged in commercial passenger transport services should be able to communicate with local passengers in the state's official language. He noted that increased use of Marathi in daily interactions would help strengthen communication and improve passenger experience.
Sarnaik said Maharashtra's linguistic heritage is an integral part of the state's cultural identity and preserving and promoting Marathi requires the participation of all sections of society, especially those working in public-facing professions.
Highlighting the role of language in preserving traditions and values, he said language is more than a medium of communication and reflects the history, customs and identity of a community. Encouraging the use of Marathi in routine interactions, he added, would help maintain its relevance in public life.
Referring to the transport sector, Sarnaik pointed out that a large number of commercial drivers operating across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and other parts of Maharashtra come from non-Marathi-speaking backgrounds. While many communicate in Hindi and other languages, he said familiarity with Marathi would help bridge communication gaps and foster better engagement with local commuters.
He further observed that passengers in Maharashtra often expect service providers to communicate in Marathi and stressed that promoting the language should not diminish the role of other languages spoken in the state.
The minister also called upon newspapers, television channels and digital media platforms to support the initiative by creating greater public awareness. He said media participation would help expand the campaign's reach and encourage more transport workers to learn the language.
Concluding his appeal, Sarnaik urged transport workers, media organisations and the public to collectively support efforts aimed at promoting Marathi in everyday interactions and preserving the state's linguistic and cultural heritage.