Knowledge must reach the grassroots. Faster. Properly. For that modern technology should be in mother tongue. In it lies the good of the State and its people. Hence, Microsoft’s initiative of bringing Software in Marathi is quite fitting.

Today large class is getting educated in their own language. Those who had no access before. Initiative by Microsoft of making their software available in Marathi is important for spread of computer. English was a significant barrier in computer education which may now possibly recede. Government, rural parts will substantially benefit. I think Microsoft Office 2003 Marathi will drive standardization of Marathi on Computers. Sort Order based on Indian ‘Varnamala’, Find & Replace in Marathi, Floating Keyboards, Marathi Text in the Formula Bar and Marathi Interface are useful features.

A new society is emerging in the form of computer. His terminology is English. This terminology has been formed by concepts which do not exist in our languages. Creation of new terminology is essential for new concepts in technology. But heavy Sanskrit based terms should not be used. Simple terms available in language should be used. Language should be simple, closer to the colloquial. Term which is closest to the original and by far the simplest should be chosen. The one which will be adopted by people should be taken as standard. English terms adopted by Marathi should be kept as they are.

Technology does not wait for anyone. Nor does it accept boundaries of nations. Hence, standard language also changes. Government eventually accepts what is accepted by people. Wait and see what people accept.

An organization like Microsoft should look into the need of Spell Check and Thesaurus. Entire ‘Help’ should be in Marathi. Courseware for teaching and learning Marathi is necessary. This facility will help teachers and trainers in rural area.

Whatever guidance will be required by the Microsoft’s “Project Bhasha Team”, I am there.