Historical Context
The origins of Hindi Diwas can be traced back to the early 20th century when Hindi scholars and activists formed the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan in 1918 to promote Hindi as a national language. This movement gained momentum during the Indian independence struggle, culminating in the adoption of Hindi as an official language post-independence. The first Hindi Diwas was celebrated in 1953, emphasizing the language’s role in unifying India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Significance of Hindi Diwas
Hindi Diwas serves multiple purposes:
- Cultural Identity: It reinforces Hindi’s status as a cornerstone of India’s cultural and linguistic identity, being the most widely spoken language in the country and the third most spoken globally, following Mandarin Chinese and English.
- Awareness and Promotion: The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of Hindi, encouraging its use in both official and personal contexts. It seeks to counter the growing dominance of English in various spheres of life.
Celebrations
The celebrations of Hindi Diwas are marked by various activities across schools, colleges, and government offices, including:
- Literary Events: Competitions such as poetry recitations, essay writing, and debates are organized to showcase the richness of Hindi literature.
- Cultural Programs: Workshops and seminars are held to promote Hindi language skills and appreciation of its literature and arts.
- Awards: The President of India presents the Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar and Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar to recognize outstanding contributions to the promotion of Hindi.
By commemorating Hindi Diwas, India reaffirms its commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage and cultural diversity, celebrating the language that connects millions across the nation. In 2024, Hindi Diwas will be observed on Saturday, September 14.
