Devendra Fadnavis to Launch Marathi Language Centre, Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre at JNU

Speedy Summary

• Inauguration of Marathi Language Center: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the Kusumagraj Special Centre for Marathi Language, Literature, and Culture at JNU on july 24, 2025. The centre is named after Jnanpith awardee poet Kusumagraj and focuses on promoting cultural understanding through courses in Marathi language and literature.

• Foundation Stone for Strategic Studies Centre: CM Fadnavis will also lay the foundation stone for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre for Security and Strategic Studies under JNU’s School of International Studies. This initiative aims to explore maratha strategic traditions while developing military history-focused policies.

• Programmes Offered: The Kusumagraj centre will provide postgraduate (MA in Marathi) and certificate-level courses promoting multilingualism. according to JNU vice Chancellor Santishree Pandit,these programmes align with India’s national Education Policy (NEP).

• Funding Announcement: The Maharashtra government allocated ₹10 crore each for the two centres.

• Proposed Statue of shivaji Maharaj at JNU: Maharashtra proposes building an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj within JNU’s campus as part of highlighting Maratha history nationally. Preliminary discussions with JNU authorities have been positive, with in-principle approval being sought.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The inauguration of a language-specific cultural centre and a strategic studies hub dedicated to ancient Indian traditions highlights efforts toward integrating India’s linguistic diversity with its past legacy within education policy frameworks like NEP. With increased focus on classical languages like Marathi, this move could contribute positively towards preserving India’s regional literary heritage while fostering cross-cultural sensitivity among students.

The establishment of a strategic studies centre emphasizing ancient Maratha military practices demonstrates a push towards indigenizing defense-related research-linking traditional wisdom to modern policy development.However, whether such initiatives led to substantial academic advancements will depend heavily on proper implementation strategies over time.The proposal to construct a statue commemorating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj symbolizes an intent to create visible markers celebrating regional heroes within premier academic spaces-a move that could spark constructive discourse about historical inclusivity across India if appropriately positioned.

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