The Tel Aviv University in Israel is set to offer a Marathi language course as part of its curriculum for the 7,000 Marathi speaking population living in Israel from the next academic year.

The Tel Aviv University in Israel is set to offer a Marathi language course as part of its curriculum for the 7,000 Marathi speaking population living in Israel from the next academic year.

This has become possible after an MoU was signed between the University of Mumbai and Rajya Marathi Vikas Sanstha with Tel Aviv University on Monday in the presence of education minister Vinod Tawde and dignitaries from the three institutions.

Speaking about the MoU, Mr Tawde said, “The MoU with Tel Aviv University to introduce a curriculum of Marathi language is just a beginning, there will be many such MoUs signed in the near future to promote Marathi language in foreign countries.” He added that it was the first time that an MoU was being signed with a foreign university to teach the Marathi language.

He said, “It has been one of the top agendas of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to establish contacts with NRIs and people of Indian origin living abroad for forging strong bonds through trade, investment, education, art and culture etc. Such MoUs are the Maharashtra state’s education and cultural departments’ efforts to keep alive the Marathi language, culture, art among others alive amongst Marathi speaking people settled abroad.”

“The Marathi language will be taught in the Tel Aviv University starting from 2016 itself. Once this project is successful, it will look at starting the Marathi curriculum at universities in other foreign countries where there is a Marathi-speaking population,” said Mr Tawde.