Hindi Divas 2024: A tribute to India’s linguistic legacy

Hindi Divas, celebrated annually on September 14, marks a significant moment in Indian history when Hindi was adopted as the official language of the Republic of India in 1949. This day is observed to promote the importance of the Hindi language, encourage its usage across various domains, and celebrate its cultural richness. Hindi, one of the most spoken languages in the world, acts as a binding thread that connects millions of people across the country.

The goal of Hindi Divas is to raise awareness about the importance of the Hindi language and foster pride in its heritage. Despite being widely spoken in India, Hindi faces competition from other global languages like English, especially in academic, professional, and social settings. The day aims to bridge this gap by promoting its usage in all spheres, from daily life to official matters. It also celebrates the cultural significance of Hindi literature, poetry, and art, emphasising how the language preserves India’s diverse heritage.

Ms Ruby Bhatnagar, HOD Hindi, Apeejay School, Noida explains the importance of the language as follows, “हिंदी भाषा भारत की विविधता को एकता के सूत्र में बांधने वाली अटूट कड़ी है। हिंदी सिर्फ भाषा ही नहीं, बल्कि हमारी संस्कृति का अभिन्न हिस्सा है। एक दूसरे से जुड़ने का सहज और सरल साधन भी है। हिंदी भारत की सांस्कृतिक विविधता में एकता की महत्वपूर्ण कड़ी के साथ ही हमारी पहचान की मजबूत बुनियाद भी है। ये हिंदी भाषा ही है जो देश के विभिन्न धर्मों और संस्कृतियों के लोगों को एकता के सूत्र में पिरोती है। देश को एक रखने वाली हिंदी सिर्फ एक भाषा नहीं बल्कि भावों की अभिव्यक्ति है। 14 सितंबर का दिन इसी हिंदी को समर्पित है।”

 Hindi has made significant contributions in the fields of literature, art, music, and the film industry, as well, the educator shared. “Countless works of Hindi literaturelike stories of Premchand, the poems of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and the creations of modern writers, have touched our hearts and souls. The Hindi language has provided us with a common platform where we can share our emotions, thoughts, and values. The important role of Hindi is not limited to literary or cultural contexts, but it also strengthens our social and national unity. In a country as diverse as India, Hindi serves as a common medium that builds a bridge of understanding and communication between various languages and cultures,” Ms Bhatnagar said.

The day reminds us that we must preserve the identity of our language and encourage it not only in our homes but in every sphere of society. We must make our children understand the importance of Hindi and teach them to love and respect it.

The Need for Hindi Divas

With globalisation bringing languages like English into greater prominence, Hindi Divas has a vital role in preserving the national identity. Celebrating this day ensures that younger generations remain connected to their linguistic roots, while also fostering a sense of unity and pride among the diverse cultural groups in India.

Explaining further Mrs Bhatnagar shares, “हिंदी भाषा के प्रचार-प्रसार को बढ़ावा देने के लिए निम्नलिखित सुझाव दिए जा सकते हैं:

1. Organising Hindi literature and cultural events can increase people’s interest and inclination towards Hindi.

2. To promote Hindi in fields like science, technology, economics, and others, it is essential to encourage career opportunities in these areas. Students need to be made aware of this from the school level.

3. Supporting and encouraging Hindi literary figures and linguists can lead to the development and enhancement of the language.