Marathi Language Curriculum to be Introduced in London Schools

Mumbai: The state government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Mandal of London, will introduce a Marathi language curriculum for students in London. This move follows the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Maharashtra Mandal during the Vishwa Marathi Sammelan (World Marathi Festival) held in Navi Mumbai in January.

To formalize this initiative, the state issued a government resolution (GR) on July 10. According to the GR, a government-appointed committee, chaired by the director of SCERT, will finalize the curriculum for the Marathi language course. This curriculum, designed for classes 1 to 5, will be modified by 20% to cater to the specific needs of students in London.

As part of the agreement, the state government will provide the necessary books and conduct examinations, with certification to be awarded to the students. A 10-member committee, including five members from the Maharashtra Mandal in London, will oversee the implementation policy and facilitate the process.

Vrushal Khandke, president of Maharashtra Mandal, London, highlighted the importance of this initiative for the second and third generation Marathi-speaking community in London. “We have been organizing various programs to connect our community with Marathi culture and language. This collaboration with the state of Maharashtra formalizes these efforts,” said Khandke.

Founded by B. R. Ambedkar and scholar N. C. Kelkar in 1932, Maharashtra Mandal is the oldest such organization in London. Khandke emphasized that learning Marathi could help students earn UCAS points, which are crucial for university admissions in the UK. Currently, languages like Gujarati and Punjabi are already part of the UK education system. This initiative will add Marathi to the list of languages available for students.

“This training is open to any individual willing to participate, not just students,” added Khandke.