“Marathi Pride Is Not a Social Media Trend, It Is Our Lifelong Commitment”: Ashish Shelar Sends Strong Cultural Message

Mumbai: BJP leader Ashish Shelar on Wednesday issued an extensive public statement underlining Marathi identity, cultural heritage and ideological commitment in Maharashtra, asserting that “real service to society cannot be replaced by attention-seeking posts.”

Beginning his message with an invocation to Mother Bhavani, Shelar expressed hope that Maharashtra and the Marathi community would witness positive and progressive developments in the coming years. He framed his remarks around cultural responsibility and ideological clarity, emphasizing that preserving language and tradition requires sustained effort rather than symbolic gestures.

“Some posts are written only to attract attention or provoke thought,” Shelar said, in an apparent reference to contemporary political commentary on social media. “But the protection of culture and language demands continuous work on the ground.”

He referred to recent international moments linked to Maharashtra’s historical legacy, including global recognition of forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and cultural representations connected to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at international platforms. According to Shelar, such developments have sparked introspection about whether enough is being done to promote Marathi language, folk arts, regional dialects and traditional practices.

“When our heritage is acknowledged globally, it becomes our duty to ask ourselves — have we done enough for Marathi language, for our folk traditions, for our cultural roots?” he said.

Highlighting the depth of Maharashtra’s cultural fabric, Shelar noted that the state’s identity extends beyond political boundaries. “Our ecosystem includes folk traditions, village deities, diverse dialects and a glorious historical legacy. Development must move forward, but not at the cost of our cultural foundation,” he stated.

Shelar also referred to the centenary year celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), mentioning lectures delivered during commemorative programmes. He said these discussions placed strong emphasis on education in the mother tongue and encouraging the use of native languages in daily life. “Education in one’s mother tongue strengthens intellectual and cultural confidence,” he remarked.

He added that organizations connected to the broader ideological movement have consistently supported regional languages, particularly Marathi in Maharashtra. “This movement originated on Marathi soil and continues to be guided by individuals deeply connected to this land,” Shelar said.

The BJP leader further touched upon political alliances and ideological positioning in past elections, raising questions about decisions taken in the name of regional identity. Without naming specific parties, he referred to historical events surrounding the formation of Maharashtra and stressed that linguistic and regional pride remain central to the state’s political structure.

“Marathi identity and cultural pride are not optional — they are foundational,” Shelar asserted. “Our ideological stand has always been clear.”

Concluding his message, Shelar reiterated that meaningful contribution lies in sustained dedication rather than symbolic expressions. “True commitment is shown through work for society, for culture and for the identity of the state — not through posts designed for applause,” he said.

He ended with a prayer seeking strength and positive direction for the nation, Maharashtra and Marathi society. “Let us focus on meaningful work that strengthens our culture and ensures social progress,” Shelar said, reaffirming his commitment to Marathi language, Hindutva ideology and the development of Maharashtra.