Should Hindi Be Forced in Maharashtra Schools? Parents Say No!

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] 19 April : In a recent move, the Maharashtra government has made Hindi a compulsory subject from Class 1, along with Marathi and English. This sudden rule has sparked protests, especially from the state's own language panel. Parents and teachers feel this step might push Marathi into the background. The panel’s chief, Laxmikant Deshmukh, has requested the chief minister to cancel the rule. The question arises – are children learning, or just carrying the burden of politics?

Voices from the Opposition

The decision didn’t sit well with leaders from opposition parties. Uddhav Thackeray, a former CM, clearly said that nothing should be forced. If it’s done with love, people will accept it, but if it’s imposed, they’ll resist. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also questioned why Hindi is being pushed onto Marathi-speaking students. Many feel this step hurts the emotions of those who proudly call Marathi their mother tongue.

What's the Real Motive?

The state’s School Education Department said this decision is linked to the National Education Policy. They believe learning Hindi early will help students get more chances in future. But critics argue that before introducing new languages, the government should focus on fixing basic education problems like poor school buildings and lack of teachers. For many, it feels like the government is more focused on language politics than real learning.

Pride vs Pressure

Maharashtra has always respected languages, especially Marathi, which carries a rich culture and history of saints, poets, and revolutionaries like Shivaji Maharaj. Many believe students should have the freedom to choose what they want to learn, rather than being pressured. Learning a language should be joyful, not stressful. Making Hindi compulsory might weaken the bond students have with their local language, and that's what worries the people.

Past Lessons and Future Fears

This isn’t the first time language has caused a stir in Maharashtra. In the past too, decisions around Hindi and English led to protests. History shows that forcing any language often leads to anger, not unity. Instead of building bridges, it creates walls. Parents today fear that children will be caught in the crossfire of these decisions. Education should unite, not divide. Will the leaders listen this time?