The state government now wants to promote Marathi language among the Marathi speaking population in Israel. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Mumbai University (MU), Rajya Marathi Vikas Sanstha and Tel Aviv University , Israel Monday to promote Marathi, its field of formal study and to encourage the Marathi-speaking population in Israel.

As part of the agreement, Marathi will be taught at Tel Aviv University, starting from academic year 2016. It is the first time that an MoU has been signed to introduce a curriculum in any foreign university to teach Marathi language. Maharashtra Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde, who was present on the occasion, said the MoU is aimed to promote Marathi language and culture in foreign countries. “The MoU with Tel Aviv University to introduce a curriculum of Marathi language is just a beginning. There will be many such MoUs in the near future to promote Marathi language in foreign countries,” said Tawde.

He added, “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 weaving strong bonds through trade, investment, education, art and culture. Such MoUs are the state’s education and cultural department’s efforts to keep Marathi language, culture and art alive among Marathi speaking people settled abroad.”

In April last year, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had visited Tel Aviv University where he said that his government would take initiatives to preserve the Jewish heritage sites in the state to promote tourism. About 50,000 Jews from Mumbai live in Israel. The Bene Israel community in Israel celebrates Maharashtra Day as their annual event. Professor Raanan Rein, vice-president of Tel Aviv University, Vice- Chancellor of MU Dr Sanjay Deshmukh and Anand Katikar of Rajya Marathi Vikas Sanstha were also present on the occasion.

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