Amid rising tensions over the Marathi language in Maharashtra, poet Kumar Vishwas delivers a powerful message of unity
A Voice of Reason: Kumar Vishwas’ Call for Linguistic Harmony
In the midst of a volatile language dispute in Maharashtra where reports of violence against non-Marathi speakers have surfaced, Kumar Vishwas, renowned poet and former AAP leader, has issued a bold and heartfelt appeal for unity. Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Mango Festival 2025 in Lucknow, Vishwas addressed the controversy head-on, saying:
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“Language spreads love, not hatred. My mother is Hindi, and my aunts are Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. All are rich and beautiful languages.”
His poetic analogy struck a chord with many, especially as tensions in Maharashtra escalated following incidents involving Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly assaulting individuals for not speaking Marathi.
Vishwas’ remarks came during a kavi sammelan (poetry gathering), where he also recited verses celebrating India’s linguistic diversity. He expressed hope that the controversy would “end soon” and urged political leaders like Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray to refrain from stoking divisions for electoral gain.
The Controversy: Language, Identity, and Political Flashpoints
The current language row in Maharashtra began when MNS activists were caught on video harassing and physically assaulting people for not conversing in Marathi. The incidents sparked outrage across the country, with critics accusing the party of linguistic chauvinism and mob intimidation.
The controversy quickly snowballed into a political flashpoint, with leaders from various parties weighing in. While some defended the importance of preserving Marathi culture, others condemned the violence and called for constitutional values of linguistic freedom to be upheld.
Kumar Vishwas’ intervention is significant because it transcends party lines and appeals to a shared cultural ethos. Known for his eloquence and nationalist poetry, Vishwas has long championed the idea of India’s unity in diversity. His statement, delivered in a non-political setting, was seen as a moral counterpoint to the divisive rhetoric dominating headlines.
Reactions and Reflections: Why Vishwas’ Words Matter Now
Vishwas’ comments have been widely shared on social media, with many praising his measured tone and inclusive message. Cultural commentators noted that his analogy of languages as familial bonds mother and aunts was a powerful metaphor for India’s multilingual identity.
Political leaders, too, responded. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, present at the same event, echoed Vishwas’ sentiments, stating that “some people are trying to create conflict where none exists,” and reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India).
The episode has reignited a broader conversation about:
- Language as a tool of inclusion vs. exclusion
- The role of artists and poets in shaping public discourse
- The need for cultural empathy in a diverse nation
As India continues to navigate its complex linguistic landscape, voices like Kumar Vishwas’ serve as a reminder of the power of words to heal, not harm.
In a time when language is being used to divide, Kumar Vishwas has chosen to use it to unite. His message is clear: India’s strength lies not in uniformity, but in its symphony of tongues. And in that harmony, there is hope.
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