UP Man Starts Marathi Academy In Pune As Language Becomes Driver Requirement; Over 100 Enrol

Pune's Maharashtra Marathi Speaking Academy, established by 39-year-old Anil Kumar Mishra, has witnessed a surge in student enrollment, exceeding 100, as Maharashtra tightens the requirement for public transport drivers to possess Marathi language proficiency. Mishra, a native of Uttar Pradesh, founded the academy in Wagholi to help adults learn the language through everyday conversations.

Anil Pawar, a local auto-rickshaw driver, highlights the usefulness of Marathi for communicating with passengers, as many speak the language and understanding it helps avoid confusion in daily interactions. The academy's curriculum focuses on spoken Marathi, imparting daily-use sentences, pronunciation, vocabulary, and conversations while minimizing heavy reliance on grammar lessons.

Mishra emphasizes the academy's mission to integrate learners with the local language and culture, rather than seeing it as a mere government mandate. An increase in demand for Marathi proficiency coincides with a new state regulation that requires drivers of autorickshaws, taxis, and app-based motor cabs to have a "working knowledge of Marathi." Non-compliance with this regulation can result in the suspension of the driver's license for up to three months.

Tejas Yadav, an auto-rickshaw driver who learned Marathi, credits the language for improving his interactions with passengers and local people. Mishra's academy offers a two-month course for ₹2,499, with options for both offline and online classes. The next batch of the course will commence on August 24.