New Delhi: Citing his own example, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Sunday (July 6) said that studying in one’s mother tongue helps in understanding subjects better and also building strong values that stays for the rest of the life.

CJI Gavai’s comments come at a time when opposition parties in Maharashtra have fiercely opposed the government resolution (GR) introduced by the BJP-led government in April, which mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language in classes 1 to 5.

Following opposition, a new GR in June allowed students to opt for another language besides Hindi, provided at least 20 students chose that language.

But later, the government rescinded this GR as well on June 29. Parties such as the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (Shiv Sena (UBT)) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had accused the BJP and its allies of undermining the Marathi language, have celebrated the government move to take back the resolution as a victory.

“Studying in Marathi medium was not a handicap, it kept me grounded. This school and my teachers have played a significant role in whatever position I have reached today and the education and values I received gave direction to my life. My journey in public speaking began on this stage,” said CJI Gavai on Sunday while addressing a felicitation function at his old school at Girgaon in south Mumbai, reported Indian Express.

“I gained confidence through elocution competitions and cultural programmes. I am what I am today because of these opportunities. I studied in Marathi medium. Studying in one’s mother tongue helps in better understanding of the subjects and also instils strong values and they remain with you for life,” he added.

Before his speech, CJI Gavai said that he was confused whether to speak in Marathi or English.

“Should I speak in Marathi? Will everyone understand? Alright. It’s going on in Maharashtra right now…” he had said before continuing the rest of the speech in Marathi.

A day before CJI Gavai's statement, the state government's reversal on the National Education Policy 2020’s third-language provision was mocked by the Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray at a public event where the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and MNS supremo shared the stage after two decades. Carrying forward their family legacy of promoting Marathi asmita (pride), they criticised the BJP and its leaders, accusing them of attempting to divide the state on linguistic grounds.

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