11 June,2026 01:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pratap Sarnaik. Pic/X
Maharashtra Transport Minister and Chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pratap Sarnaik, has appealed to commercial passenger transport drivers from non-Marathi-speaking backgrounds to learn and use basic Marathi while interacting with passengers across the state.
In an open letter addressed to editors of Marathi newspapers and television news channels, Sarnaik sought media support for a campaign aimed at encouraging the use of Marathi in everyday public interactions, particularly within the passenger transport sector.
According to Sarnaik, drivers engaged in commercial passenger transport services in Maharashtra should possess a working knowledge of Marathi to facilitate communication with local passengers. He stated that greater use of the language in day-to-day interactions could help strengthen communication and improve passenger experiences.
The minister noted that Maharashtra's linguistic heritage forms an important part of the state's cultural identity. He said efforts to preserve and promote Marathi should involve participation from various sections of society, including those working in public-facing professions.
In his letter, Sarnaik highlighted the role of language in preserving cultural traditions and social values. He stated that language serves as more than a means of communication and plays a significant role in reflecting the history, customs, and identity of a community.
He argued that encouraging the use of Marathi in routine interactions would contribute to its continued relevance in public life and help strengthen its presence across different sectors.
The minister pointed out that a large number of commercial drivers operating across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and other parts of Maharashtra come from non-Marathi-speaking backgrounds. While many communicate with passengers in Hindi or other languages, he said greater familiarity with Marathi could help bridge communication gaps and foster better engagement with local commuters.
Sarnaik said passengers in Maharashtra often expect service providers to be able to communicate in Marathi and stressed the importance of encouraging its use without diminishing the role of other languages commonly spoken in the state.
The transport minister also underlined the role of the media in generating public awareness and influencing social initiatives. He urged newspapers, television channels, and digital media platforms to provide coverage to the campaign, saying wider publicity could encourage more drivers and transport workers to learn the language.
According to Sarnaik, media participation could help expand the reach of the initiative and increase awareness about the importance of Marathi in public communication.
Concluding his letter, Sarnaik called on stakeholders, including transport workers, media organisations, and members of the public, to support efforts aimed at promoting Marathi in everyday interactions. He said broader participation would help preserve the state's linguistic heritage and strengthen its cultural identity.
