The value of Marathi

A new film by one of the most prominent actors was blocked to have its premiere. The movie starring Amitabh Bachchan met fierce opposition because his wife had the audacity to promote Hindi over the Marathi language. A politcian took this the wrong way and threatened to prevent any screening of a movie starring a member of the Bachchan family in the state of Maharashtra of which Mumbai is the capital.

Mr Bachchan apologised and indicated that no malice was intended. The movie may now have its premiere after all.

For me this news is relevant because it demonstrates quite vividly how much people care for their own language, their own culture. Language is the reason why East Pakistan is now Bangladesh. People who argue that just a few languages suffice for the Wikipedia project, are people who invariably speak a language that is not under threat. They are people who love to tell other people what to do.
Thanks,
GerardM