Tensions flared in Nashik this week after workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) stormed into a PhysicsWallah coaching centre and assaulted a staff member. The incident, captured on video, reportedly stemmed from allegations that a teacher had disrespected the Marathi language by insisting students study only in Hindi and allegedly calling Marathi-speaking children “rustic” and “mannerless.”
The video shows MNS workers slapping and manhandling the employee, while issuing an ultimatum to the institute: appoint Marathi-speaking staff within eight days or face “MNS-style” protests. The clash highlights the simmering language tensions in Maharashtra, where local groups have long demanded greater respect and representation for Marathi in education and public life.
For many students and parents, the incident was unsettling. PhysicsWallah, a popular coaching brand, attracts learners from diverse backgrounds, but the lack of Marathi-speaking teachers has left some students struggling to follow lessons. The altercation humanized the broader issue—students simply wanting to learn in their mother tongue, while educators from outside the state often lack the linguistic skills to bridge that gap.
Police have since registered a case against MNS office-bearers and workers at the Sarkarwada station, and investigations are underway. While the assault has been condemned, the episode has reignited debate about how institutions balance inclusivity with regional identity. For Nashik’s residents, the incident is a reminder that language is not just a medium of instruction—it is deeply tied to culture, dignity, and belonging.
WATCH | MNS workers assault PhysicsWallah staff in Nashik over alleged disrespect toward the Marathi language. pic.twitter.com/GfEjqltB3D
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) February 12, 2026
