Team Blitz India
LIKE every year, Maharashtra Day was celebrated with great fervour on May 1. The day holds special significance for the people of the state. It is birthday of sorts for Maharashtra – the formation of the state after the division of Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960. It marks the fruits of years of struggles and aspirations of the Marathi-speaking population for a separate identity and governance. Leaders like B R Ambedkar, Keshavrao Jedhe, and others played a leading role in the journey. It was marked with many social and political movements.
The Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, which demanded a separate Marathi-speaking state, gained an impetus in the 1950s when after years of discussions, and demonstrations, the State Reorganisation Act of 1956 was passed: Maharashtra was born on May 1, 1960.
Thus, this is a day of pride and reflection for the people of Maharashtra. It reminds people of the rich cultural heritage, linguistic diversity, and historical legacy of Maharashtra. Schools, colleges, government offices, and other institutions organise programmes on the significance of Maharashtra’s formation and its contributions to the nation.
On this day, people dress in traditional attire, savour Maharashtrian delicacies and participate in various community activities. It also serves as a reminder of the state’s responsibilities towards its citizens. It calls for a renewed commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, secularism, and social justice enshrined in the Constitution. It is a time to reflect on the progress made and the challenges ahead in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socioeconomic development.
