The recent viral video of an Airtel employee in Mumbai refusing to speak Marathi has sparked controversy and ignited a debate over language use in the state of Maharashtra. The video, which circulated on social media, captured the employee’s adamant refusal to address a customer in Marathi, leading to a heated exchange that has since garnered significant attention.
Employee’s Defiant Stance
In the video, the Airtel employee can be heard stating, “Why should I speak in Marathi? Where is it written to speak Marathi in Maharashtra? You should speak to me properly.” This defiant stance, coupled with her dismissal of the importance of Marathi, has drawn criticism and backlash from various quarters.
The customer, who recorded the interaction, expressed his frustration at the employee’s refusal to cater to his grievances in Marathi. The employee’s response, claiming ownership of Maharashtra and threatening to involve the police, further escalated the situation and fueled outrage online.
Political and Public Response
The incident prompted swift reactions from political figures and the public, with BJP MLC Chitra Wagh condemning the employee’s behavior as disrespectful towards Maharashtra and the Marathi language. Wagh emphasized the significance of respecting and promoting Marathi within the state, calling for fluency in the language among all staff at Airtel galleries.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed this sentiment during a state assembly meeting, asserting that the language of Maharashtra and Mumbai is Marathi, and residents should make an effort to learn and uphold it. This statement came in the wake of comments by senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, highlighting the linguistic diversity within Mumbai but emphasizing the importance of Marathi in certain areas.
The Maharashtra government has taken a proactive step by issuing a resolution mandating the use of Marathi in all government and semi-government offices across the state. This move underscores the significance of preserving and promoting the Marathi language as an integral part of the state’s cultural identity.
As the discourse surrounding language use and cultural sensitivity continues to unfold, the incident involving the Airtel employee serves as a poignant reminder of the need for inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity in a multicultural society. It highlights the importance of effective communication and understanding in fostering harmonious interactions within communities, transcending language barriers to promote mutual respect and cooperation.
The ongoing dialogue sparked by this incident underscores the broader implications of language use and cultural heritage in shaping social interactions and perceptions. It serves as a catalyst for introspection and dialogue on the role of language in fostering unity and diversity within society, prompting individuals and institutions to reflect on their practices and policies to ensure inclusivity and respect for all languages and cultures.
