“Hindi ata Mumbaichi bolibhasha, Hindi aamchi laadki bahin” – Pratap Sarnayak’s remark stirs conversation. What exactly did he say?
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In a statement that has stirred debate across Maharashtra’s political landscape, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik recently remarked that Hindi has become the spoken language of Mumbai. While delivering a speech at a public event, Sarnaik emphasized the multilingual nature of communication in the city, stating, “Though we refer to Marathi as our mother tongue, we often find ourselves speaking in Hindi or English. Over time, Hindi has naturally become the spoken language of the city.”
His remarks, however, haven’t gone down well with many, especially given the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the status and use of the Marathi language in the state.
Language and Identity: A Delicate Balance
Sarnaik elaborated on his views by reflecting on his own experience, noting that in his constituency, he predominantly uses Marathi. However, when visiting areas like Mira-Bhayandar—where the Hindi-speaking population is significantly higher—he often switches to Hindi for effective communication. “Marathi is our mother, our root language. But Hindi is our beloved sister,” he said, painting a familial picture of linguistic harmony.
Despite his intent to highlight linguistic inclusiveness, Sarnaik’s comments have triggered sharp political reactions, particularly from those who view Marathi as a cultural cornerstone of Maharashtra’s identity.
Minister Bawankule Steps In with Clarification
In response to the controversy, Cabinet Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stepped forward to provide context and calm the waters. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule explained, “We must look at what he truly meant. Marathi is, and will remain, our mother tongue. We speak Marathi throughout the day, and Minister Sarnaik himself is a Marathi-speaking leader who communicates in Marathi within his constituency.”
He further clarified that Sarnaik’s decision to speak in Hindi in Mira-Bhayandar was based on the demographics of that region, which includes a larger Hindi-speaking community. “He likely chose to use Hindi there simply to connect better with the locals,” Bawankule added.
The minister also pointed out a significant milestone for the language, reminding everyone that the central government has officially recognized Marathi as a classical language. “Given this honor, there’s no question of being against Marathi,” he said, defending Sarnaik against accusations of disrespecting the language.
Mumbai has always been a melting pot of cultures, dialects, and identities. The city pulses with voices in Marathi, Hindi, English, Gujarati, and many other languages that form the fabric of its social life. Sarnaik’s remarks—whether viewed as practical or provocative—touch on this complex linguistic reality.
As political reactions continue to pour in, Sarnaik’s comments have opened up an important conversation about how language reflects identity, politics, and inclusivity in a city as diverse as Mumbai. While some see his words as a recognition of the city’s multicultural character, others fear it could undermine the place of Marathi in public life.
In the end, the episode reminds us that language is not just a means of communication—it’s also a symbol of belonging. Whether Marathi is the mother and Hindi the sister, or vice versa, perhaps what truly matters is how we treat both—with respect, love, and understanding in a city that speaks in many voices.
