A spirited discussion on the richness of the Marathi language, its historical significance, and its evolving role in modern society marked the Marathi Bhasha Divas celebration at The Orchid Hotel Pune on February 27. The event, themed ‘Majhi Bhasha, Majha Abhiman’ (My Language, My Pride), was a vibrant tribute to the linguistic and cultural legacy of Marathi, blending intellectual discourse with traditional celebrations.
The celebration began on a high-energy note with an enchanting Maharashtrian Lezim performance by The Orchid Team, which set the tone for the event. Adding to the excitement, Dr. Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Chairman of Kamat Hotels India Ltd, actively participated in the performance, joining the dancers in a spirited display of enthusiasm and cultural pride. His participation reflected his deep-rooted love for Maharashtra’s traditions and its cultural expressions.
Veteran journalist Pratibha Chandran masterfully steered the panel, infusing the discussion with depth, dynamism, and a keen journalistic insight. With her impeccable command of Marathi, she engaged the panelists with thought-provoking and anecdotal questions, making the conversation both enriching and captivating.
The panel began with Dr. Kamat, sharing his experiences as an entrepreneur and environmentalist. As the founder of Asia’s first Ecotel Hotel, he emphasized the significance of language in preserving cultural heritage in business and hospitality. During the engaging panel discussion, Dr Kamat shared, “During the panel discussion, Dr. Vithal Kamat shared an insightful anecdote about the influence of the Marathi language in his work. He recounted, “Marathi has played a significant role in shaping my journey. At our properties, we created a sculpture of a mother and child using recycled materials, symbolizing the sentiment—‘Kashi Karu Tujhi Utarai, Tujhya Mule Mi Zhale Aai’ (How do I repay you? I became a mother because of you). This sculpture was also installed in Mahim, Mumbai, where it faced significant backlash. I fought hard to keep it in place, and to this day, it stands as a testament to the strength of the Marathi language. The satisfaction of seeing it endure reinforces my belief that Marathi has immense power.”
He further added, “The essence of this story is simple—our karmabhoomi (workplace) holds a deep connection with our society, and it is our responsibility to honor and give back to the people in every possible way.”
Celebrated actor and renowned psychiatrist, and educator, Padmashree Dr. Mohan Agashe, shared his unique perspective on the intersection of language, mental well-being, and cinema. Speaking on the occasion, he remarked, “60 performances of my play were staged abroad, all in Marathi. It received invitations from prestigious international theatre festivals. I exist because of my Marathi audience, and writing about me means writing about them.”
Bringing in the performing arts perspective, Vidyanidhee (Prasad) Vanarase, a renowned theatre director and actor, spoke about the need to expand Marathi’s influence beyond pride and into active global engagement. As the Founder Director of the International Association for Performing Arts and Research (IAPAR), he emphasized, “We often use language merely as a symbol of pride but rarely go beyond that. We keep telling each other how great our language is, but do we extend its reach beyond Marathi speakers? If we truly want to do so, we need to break barriers. Many Marathi plays have been translated into other languages, allowing them to be staged across India. Through such linguistic exchanges, we can preserve and expand the influence of our mother tongue.”
Adding an artistic lens to the conversation, Jayant B. Joshi, a painter, photographer, and poet, as well as son of Bharat Ratna Late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, spoke about his early fascination with Marathi cinema, theatre, and literature. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Since childhood, I have had a deep love for Marathi cinema, theatre, and reading. Watching the play Ghashiram Kotwal left me absolutely amazed. I was involved in designing the production, and after seeing my work, the then director of Max Mueller Bhavan, offered me a 10-year opportunity to work with them.”
Another esteemed panelist, Mai Ravindra Pendse, a Japanese-born professional who has called Pune home since 2008, shared her inspiring journey of learning and embracing Marathi after marrying into a Maharashtrian family. A Japanese language expert working with a software company, she beautifully highlighted the intersection of languages and how Marathi has become an integral part of her cultural identity. Her heartfelt attempt at speaking Marathi, was both endearing and delightful, leaving the panelists and audience pleasantly surprised and deeply moved.
The panelists engaged in thought-provoking conversations about the language’s evolving role in contemporary society, emphasizing its power to shape identity and its influence in modern communication. The event honored not just the linguistic heritage of Marathi but also its dynamic future, leaving attendees with a renewed commitment to fostering and celebrating their mother tongue.
The Orchid Hotel Pune was beautifully transformed with Maharashtrian-themed décor, adorned with cultural elements that created an immersive experience, paying homage to the rich heritage of the Marathi language. Guests were treated to an authentic Maharashtrian culinary journey, featuring a specially curated menu served in traditional earthen pots, celebrating the soulful flavors of Maharashtra.
This spectacular celebration was seamlessly executed under the expert leadership of Dr. Ayon Bhattacharya, VP, West India, KHIL, and Soumitra Kundu, Deputy GM, The Orchid Hotel Pune, whose vision and dedication brought this cultural extravaganza to life.
