A 37-second video from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has gone viral. The video shows a passenger confronting an airport employee after discovering that the staff member was not fluent in Marathi. The incident, which took place at one of Mumbai’s busiest international airports, has fueled a debate about language expectations in Maharashtra.
In the video, a staff member dressed in a purple vest begins by offering help in Hindi. After the passenger asks for assistance in Marathi, the staff member briefly switches to Marathi. However, the passenger expresses dissatisfaction, questioning the employee’s qualifications. The altercation quickly gained traction online as the video spread across social media platforms.
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Video Gains Traction on X
The video sparked strong reactions from users on X (formerly Twitter), with many weighing in on the situation. Some users supported the passenger, arguing that Marathi should be the primary language spoken in Maharashtra. These users believed that speaking Marathi in public spaces, especially at an airport in Mumbai, was a matter of regional pride and respect. Others, however, defended the airport employee, highlighting Mumbai’s multilingual nature and global reputation.
Supporters of the passenger insisted that frontline workers in Maharashtra should be fluent in Marathi. They viewed this as a necessary step in preserving the regional identity of the state. On the other hand, other users pointed out that Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures, with a population that includes people from all over India and the world. As a result, many argued that Hindi and English are more practical for communication, particularly in an international airport setting.
No Official Marathi Requirement at CSMIA
Currently, there is no official policy at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport requiring employees to be fluent in Marathi. Mumbai, as a major international hub, conducts much of its communication in Hindi and English, especially in official and aviation-related contexts. This raises the question of whether it is fair to expect employees who interact with a diverse range of passengers to prioritize one regional language over others.
This incident highlights the ongoing language debate in Maharashtra, a state where language politics have played a significant role in public discourse. The use of Marathi in public services, private businesses, and government offices has been a contentious issue for years. Advocates for the promotion of Marathi have often called for its increased use, while others argue that it is vital to embrace multilingualism, particularly in a globalized world.
Many social media users pointed out that Mumbai is an international city where people from various regions and backgrounds interact daily. They stressed that the ability to communicate in multiple languages is crucial for customer service, particularly in an airport environment. As such, they argued that the staff member’s proficiency in Hindi and English should be sufficient for the job.
Airport Authorities Remain Silent
Despite the widespread attention the video has garnered, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. It remains unclear whether the airport will address the issue of language expectations among its staff. In the meantime, the video continues to circulate on social media, fueling ongoing debates about language rights, regional identity, and the role of language in public service.
This viral video has sparked a renewed conversation about the intersection of language, identity, and public service in Maharashtra. While the incident highlights differing views on the role of Marathi in the state, it also underscores the complexity of language politics in an increasingly globalized world. As Mumbai continues to grow as a key international hub, the debate over language usage is likely to continue, with both sides advocating for their perspectives on regional identity and inclusivity.
