He was addressing the Sarvadhara Marathi Sneha Melava held on Sunday at Shri Ram Gosamvardhan Kendra in Nanus, Valpoi. The gathering saw the presence of prominent figures including Dr. Madhu Ghodkirekar, president of the Gomantak Marathi Bhasha Parishad, noted novelist Chandrakant Mahadev Gawas, Marathi Asmita Sattari coordinator Vijay Naik, Adv. Yashwant Gawas, and Vivek Joshi, among others.
In his address, Dhavalikar alleged that Marathi has not received its due recognition in Goa despite its historical and administrative significance. He noted that even during Portuguese rule, Marathi functioned as a language of administration and education. Referring to constitutional provisions, he stated that languages used in governance can be accorded official status.
He called for stronger involvement of teachers and literary figures in the Marathi movement, expressing concern over their limited participation. Urging educators to take the lead, he emphasized the need to safeguard Marathi-medium schools and inspire youth engagement.
Dhavalikar also pointed out that several activists of the Konkani movement had Marathi educational backgrounds and are now contributing to Marathi literature again. “Goa’s identity lies in Konkani as a spoken language and Marathi as a language of administration,” he said, stressing that Marathi continues to hold cultural and functional importance in the state.
He further remarked that sidelining Marathi would undermine the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the broader saint tradition. Highlighting the widespread use of Marathi across India and the continued success of Marathi theatre, he reiterated the demand for granting Marathi co-state language status.
Recalling past assurances, Dhavalikar said a resolution supporting Marathi had been passed at a BJP convention in Mapusa in the presence of L. K. Advani, and that former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had also backed the demand. He urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take note of the issue.
In his introductory remarks, Vijay Naik said the aim of the gathering was to bring together organisations working for Marathi to deliberate on a collective strategy. Sarita Mhajik presented a review of Marathi Asmita’s activities.
Novelist Chandrakant Gawas expressed concern over declining participation among Marathi teachers and suggested that raising awareness among parents could help revive Marathi-medium education.
Several others, including Sudesh Arlekar, Datt Buva Abhyankar, Sandeep Kelkar, Gajanan Mandrekar, Vitthal Gawade, Pournima Desai, Prof. Pournima Kerkar, Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar, Vandana Joshi, Mhallu Gawas, Narayan Mahale, Vishwesh Parab, and Avit Bagle, also shared their views.
The programme was compered by Vivek Joshi, while Lakshman Joshi proposed the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, scholarships instituted in memory of late Mohanrao Kulkarni were awarded to students Babli Budho Gavkar and Disha Sakharam Zolambekar.
