Bringing Marathi Home: Over 100 NRI Students Clear Maharashtra’s Special Language Test
In a significant cultural and educational milestone, more than 100 students of Maharashtrian origin living abroad have successfully cleared a special Marathi language test initiated by the Maharashtra State Board of Open Schooling (MSBOS). This first-of-its-kind language certification initiative was introduced to ensure that the children of non-resident Maharashtrian parents remain connected to their linguistic roots, no matter where they live.
The comprehensive language assessment, held in May 2025, saw participation from students across the United States, Canada, and Denmark. A total of 103 students from Classes 1 to 8 took the exam, with the largest group—67 students—hailing from the US. Among the participants, the highest concentration was in Class I, with 28 students enrolling for the test.
A Vision Born from Cultural Commitment
This unique language instruction and certification initiative took shape following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year between the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal North America (BMMNA) and the Maharashtra state education department. The MoU underscored a shared vision—to make Marathi language education formally accessible to children growing up in non-Maharashtrian educational environments overseas.
The demand for such a program came directly from the Maharashtrian diaspora community, particularly from parents who wished to see their children develop a strong foundation in their native language. “This programme started last year after the BMMNA reached out to us as they wanted their native language taught formally to their children,” said Sharad Gosavi, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.
Structured Learning through Formal Curriculum
Around 60 international schools in the US, Canada, and Denmark adopted the programme to ensure the quality and authenticity of the instruction. A special curriculum was designed using Balbharati textbooks, the standard resource used in Maharashtra’s school system. The curriculum was carefully curated to suit a non-resident student base, yet maintain the same rigor and depth expected within the state.
Equally impressive was the training model for teachers. A three-day intensive training program was conducted for local Maharashtrian educators residing abroad who were deeply passionate about teaching the language. These trained teachers became the program's backbone, ensuring the classroom experience remained culturally rich and linguistically accurate.
A Formal Examination with Traditional Rigor
The examination itself was conducted offline, much like standard subject assessments administered in Maharashtra. The board developed model question papers aligned with the students’ grade levels and conducted the assessments to mirror formal academic evaluation patterns. This traditional approach helped emphasize the seriousness of the subject and provided students with an authentic educational experience.
“This was not just a symbolic test,” Gosavi explained. “We prepared model papers, trained teachers, and ensured the curriculum was aligned with our standards. The exams were held offline, just like any other subject they might have.”
Cultural Reconnection Through Education
For many parents, this initiative is more than an academic exercise—a reconnection with cultural identity. Gosavi shared that the enthusiasm and commitment of the parents played a key role in the program's success. “They were very keen to start teaching their native tongue to their children properly with a formal curriculum and exams. We stepped in to make the whole exercise official,” he added.
Given the positive response and the successful outcomes of the pilot round, Gosavi expressed optimism about scaling up the initiative. He expects more expatriate Maharashtrian families to take up the opportunity in the coming years, strengthening the global Marathi-speaking community and ensuring that future generations stay rooted in their heritage.
Looking Ahead: A Growing Global Movement
The initiative is a model for how regional language education can transcend borders with the proper institutional support and community involvement. Maharashtra has taken a bold step towards cultural preservation in a globalized world by formalizing language education for NRI students. It also sets a precedent for other Indian states and linguistic communities to adopt similar models.
As language and culture often go hand in hand, this program does more than teach grammar and vocabulary—it revives a sense of belonging, identity, and pride among young learners. For many of these students, speaking Marathi is no longer just a matter of family conversations at home. It is now an academically recognized skill that ties them to their roots.
The success of this first-ever special Marathi language test for students abroad is a testament to what can be achieved when diaspora aspirations meet responsive policy-making. With growing interest and enthusiasm, this movement may soon expand to more countries and Indian languages, helping preserve linguistic heritage across generations and geographies.
