In a powerful display of ideological alignment and cultural outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday likened the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to a “vat vriksh” (grand banyan tree), emphasizing its century-long role in preserving and propagating India’s traditions. Speaking at the inaugural function of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, Modi articulated the influence of the RSS in inspiring millions, including himself, to dedicate their lives to the nation.
The event, returning to Delhi after 71 years, was notable for its timing—occurring just months after the Union government granted Marathi the status of a classical language. Modi, sharing the stage with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, took the opportunity to underscore his personal and political association with Marathi culture, attributing it to his early engagement with the RSS.
RSS and the Marathi Cultural Ethos
Modi’s speech strategically wove together cultural, historical, and political narratives. Referencing iconic figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Ahilyabai Holkar, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he sought to underline Maharashtra’s contributions to India’s socio-political landscape. His mention of the RSS founder, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, though indirect, was symbolic—placing the Sangh within the continuum of Maharashtra’s legacy of leadership and reform.
“This conference is happening at a time when the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has completed 350 years, when it is Punya Shlok Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary, and the Constitution, made with the efforts of Babasaheb Ambedkar, is in its 75th year… We will also take pride in the fact that it was on Maharashtra’s land that a great Marathi-speaking man sowed the seeds of RSS 100 years ago,” Modi stated.
The deliberate mention of Maharashtra’s deep-rooted influence in shaping India’s national consciousness aligns with the BJP’s long-term strategy of consolidating its political foothold in the state. By portraying the RSS as a guardian of India’s cultural heritage, Modi not only reinforced the organization’s legitimacy but also sought to strengthen BJP’s connection with regional aspirations.
Language Politics and Modi’s Stance
The conferment of classical language status to Marathi was a key highlight of the event, with Modi framing it as a long-awaited recognition. “Crores of people were waiting for this. I consider this a great milestone in my life,” he said, effectively tying this government decision to his own political journey.
His remarks on linguistic unity, particularly in the wake of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial statement on Urdu, appeared as a balancing act. “Languages have never harbored animosity towards each other. They have always embraced and enriched one another,” Modi said. This assertion was aimed at mitigating any perceived linguistic chauvinism and reaffirming BJP’s commitment to linguistic harmony—a crucial factor given India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Conference president Tara Bhawalkar echoed similar sentiments, stressing that languages should unite rather than divide people. Her statement lent a scholarly endorsement to Modi’s position, further validating the idea that linguistic diversity should be seen as a cultural asset rather than a source of discord.
Sharad Pawar’s Calculated Presence
Sharad Pawar, serving as the conference’s reception committee head, publicly thanked Modi for inaugurating the event, despite underlying political tensions in Maharashtra. His statement that “there is a mutual flow between politics and literature and they are complementary” subtly addressed concerns about the alleged politicization of the event.
Pawar’s role at the event reflected the complex political dynamics in Maharashtra, where alliances are often fluid and tactical. While his presence may have been read as a gesture of bipartisan cultural appreciation, it also signified the shifting contours of power in state politics. His engagement with Modi on this platform, especially given his history as a formidable critic of the BJP, adds another layer to the state’s ever-evolving political narrative.
Fadnavis and the Historical Justification for Marathi Supremacy
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis leveraged the occasion to highlight the historical precedence of Marathi linguistic pride. Invoking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he asserted that the Maratha king was an early advocate for the institutionalization of Marathi in administrative affairs.
“When invaders tried to pollute our language, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided that only Marathi would be used in administrative works and issued an order to replace Farsi and Arabic words,” Fadnavis noted.
This statement aligns with the BJP’s broader nationalist narrative, which often frames historical events in terms of resistance against foreign influence. By linking contemporary language politics to Shivaji Maharaj’s administrative reforms, Fadnavis effectively reinforced the BJP’s positioning as the torchbearer of indigenous heritage.
Conclusion: A Confluence of Culture and Politics
The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was far more than a literary event; it was a microcosm of the intersection between culture, politics, and ideology. Modi’s speech reinforced the BJP’s symbiotic relationship with the RSS, projecting it as a custodian of India’s civilizational ethos. His emphasis on linguistic unity was a calibrated move to preempt potential linguistic discord, especially in light of recent political controversies.
For the BJP, the recognition of Marathi as a classical language is not just a linguistic decision but a political milestone that could consolidate its voter base in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Pawar’s participation served as a reminder of the fluid political equations that continue to shape the state’s landscape. As Maharashtra remains a crucial battleground in the lead-up to future elections, this event has underscored how cultural narratives will continue to be a key element of political strategy.
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