Marathi Signboard Replaces English at Rajawadi Hospital After Uddhav Sena Protest

Mumbai, 2nd April 2025: Mumbai’s Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar East replaced an English-language signboard at its newly inaugurated CT scan and MRI centers with a Marathi one following a protest by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). The centers, built by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and operated by private contractor Maxis Healthcare Imagine, had initially displayed an English nameplate, sparking outrage among local Shiv Sena (UBT) members.

Upon learning about the English signboard, Uddhav Sena workers led by Mumbai coordinator Prakash Wani demanded its immediate replacement with a Marathi signboard, citing the Maharashtra State Government’s mandate to prioritize Marathi in official and public communications. Maxis Healthcare Imagine manager Shailesh Triveni apologized for the oversight and assured swift action. On the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, the English board was replaced with a Marathi one.

The centers were established to provide affordable CT scans and MRI services to the public. However, the controversy over the signboard highlighted ongoing tensions regardingusingf Marathi in public spaces. Prakash Wani emphasized that Marathi deserves respect as a classical language and criticized any neglect of its prominence in official signage.