By edukalive 
Hindi Diwas, celebrated every year on 14th September, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi, written in Devanagari script, as the Rajbhasha (Official Language) of India. This day is not just about commemorating the adoption of Hindi but also about promoting the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of our country.
The Status of Languages in India
India is a land of incredible linguistic diversity, where over 19,500 languages or dialects are spoken. Despite this, it’s important to note that India has no national language. Hindi and English are recognized as the official languages for central administrative purposes. This fact often surprises people, as Hindi is widely spoken and considered a unifying language in many parts of the country.
The Indian Constitution, under Article 343(1), declares Hindi as the #Rajbhasha of India, with English serving as an associate official language. Additionally, the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule lists 22 scheduled languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, and Punjabi, among others. These languages enjoy equal respect and recognition, reflecting India’s unity in diversity.
The Journey of Hindi as Rajbhasha
Hindi’s journey to becoming the Rajbhasha was not without its challenges. Post-independence, India needed a language that could unite its diverse population. While Mahatma Gandhi advocated for Hindi to become the Rashtrabhasha (National Language), the idea of declaring a single national language was met with resistance from non-Hindi-speaking regions. Instead, Hindi was adopted as one of the official languages, with English continuing as a complementary language for governance.
The linguistic policy of India allows states to decide their official languages based on regional preferences. For instance, Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu, while Bengali serves the same role in West Bengal. This flexibility ensures that all linguistic communities feel represented and valued.
Significance of Hindi
Hindi is among the most spoken languages in the world, ranking third globally after English and Mandarin. It is the first language of over 40% of India’s population and serves as a link language across the country.
Apart from its practical significance, Hindi is a symbol of India’s cultural identity. It has a rich literary heritage, with iconic works from authors like Premchand, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and Mahadevi Verma. Hindi films, music, and poetry have also played a significant role in popularizing the language worldwide.
Hindi Diwas vs. World Hindi Day
Many people confuse Hindi Diwas with World Hindi Day, but the two are distinct:
World Hindi Day is celebrated on 10th January, focusing on the global promotion of Hindi.
Hindi Diwas is observed on 14th September every year to celebrate the adoption of Hindi as India’s official language.
Promoting Hindi in the Modern Era
In today’s digital age, the use of Hindi has expanded beyond traditional domains. Social media platforms, blogs, and news portals in Hindi are gaining popularity, making the language more accessible to younger generations. Initiatives like Hindi typing tools and translation software have further bridged the gap between Hindi and technology.
However, the promotion of Hindi should not come at the cost of marginalizing other Indian languages. Each language is a treasure trove of culture and knowledge. Respecting and preserving this diversity is key to India’s unity.
Celebrating #Hindi_Diwas
Hindi Diwas is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. Schools, colleges, and government institutions organize various events like essay writing, debates, and poetry recitations to highlight the importance of Hindi. It’s a day to reflect on the role of language in shaping our identity and fostering communication.
Hindi Diwas reminds us of the rich linguistic heritage of our country and the role of Hindi in uniting a diverse population. While Hindi holds a special place as #Rajbhasha, the true strength of India lies in its multilingualism. Let’s celebrate Hindi while respecting and preserving the diversity of all Indian languages.“Hindi hai hum, watan hai Hindustan hamara.”