India, June 29 -- The Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal on Saturday announced its participation in a protest rally scheduled for July 5 in Mumbai, opposing the government's decision to introduce Hindi or other Indian languages as compulsory subjects from Class 1 onwards. The announcement was made by the Mahamandal president, Prof Milind Joshi.

Joshi, however, clarified that the rally is not affiliated with any political party.

"The Mahamandal has no political interest. Our sole objective is to protect the Marathi language and ensure it continues to thrive with pride. We are not against any language, but we oppose the imposition of any language," he said.

He also pointed out that although the education minister had earlier anno...