Every year on September 14th, India celebrates Hindi Diwas.
A day that symbolises the country’s commitment to preserving its linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. This day is significant because it honours Hindi, one of India’s official languages.
But,
- How Hindi Language achieve this status?
- Why does Hindi Diwas hold such enduring relevance and global impact?
Let’s explore the fascinating history and significance of Hindi Diwas.
The Origins of Hindi Diwas
Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on September 14, commemorates a significant decision made by India’s Constituent Assembly in 1949. This was the day when Hindi was declared as one of the official languages of the newly independent nation. This resolution was officially embedded in the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, marking the day India formally became a republic.
The first Hindi Diwas was observed with great enthusiasm in 1953.
The Path to Establish Hindi as an Official Language
The Path to establishing Hindi as an official language in India was indeed filled with complexities and disagreements. The Constituent Assembly was divided into two factions. One faction advocated for Modern Standard Hindi, a variant of the Hindustani language, to replace Urdu as the sole “national language” of India, a status that Urdu had held during British colonial rule. On the other hand, the second faction argued for the preservation of English as a constitutional language.
The Munshi-Ayyangar Formula
The deadlock was broken by a compromise solution known as the Munshi-Ayyangar formula.
They were named after K. M. Munshi and N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, who were integral members of the drafting committee. This formula granted Hindi the “official language” status of India’s central government, while English was an associate official language for a transitional period of 15 years.
The Significance of Hindi Diwas
Hindi Diwas is more than just a celebration; it’s a homage to India’s rich linguistic diversity and the unifying role of Hindi among its people.
It also acts as a catalyst, encouraging the younger generation to incorporate Hindi into their daily spoken and written communication.
Honoring the Legacy of Hindi Literature
Moreover, Hindi Diwas provides a platform to celebrate the rich heritage of Hindi literature. It pays tribute to the many esteemed writers, poets, and thinkers who have enhanced the language with their literary works. Cultural festivals and events organized on Hindi Diwas serve as a showcase for this literary excellence.
The Global Influence of Hindi
Hindi’s influence indeed transcends the borders of India, establishing it as a global language.
With over 600 million speakers, Hindi holds the position of the third most spoken language worldwide. This global presence underscores the significance of Hindi, not just within India, but on a global scale as well.
Celebrating Hindi Diwas Across India and the World
Hindi Diwas is observed with immense enthusiasm across India, especially in educational institutions like schools and colleges. A variety of literary and cultural events are held to commemorate this day.
Activities such as,
- Hindi essay writing
- Poetry competitions
- Debates
- Other cultural programs
Additionally, the President of India presents awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of the Hindi language.
The Role of Hindi in Cinema and Media
The Hindi film industry, also known as Bollywood, has indeed played a pivotal role in promoting Hindi on a global scale. Bollywood films enjoy popularity not just within India, but also captivate audiences worldwide, thereby expanding the global influence of the Hindi language.
In the same vein, Hindi news channels and newspapers have an impact that transcends India’s geographical boundaries. They serve as an essential conduit for the global Indian diaspora, helping them stay connected with their roots.
The Future of Hindi
As we progress, the significance of Hindi is indeed escalating. There are ongoing efforts at various levels to encourage the use of Hindi in both official and personal communication. Concurrently, government is implementing measures to modernise the language to keep pace with contemporary times, which includes the integration of technical terms.
Conclusion
Hindi Diwas is more than just a celebration of one of India’s official languages.
It’s a tribute to the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage that make up the vibrant tapestry of our nation. It serves as a reminder of our duty to respect all languages and cultures that contribute to this diversity.
As we commemorate Hindi Diwas, let’s also take a moment to appreciate every language that enriches our linguistic heritage.