Hindi Diwas – When, Why and How is it Celebrated

Out of the several facets of India, one of the most striking elements that throws light on the diversity and rich culture of the country is the usage of hundreds of languages. There are more than 121 languages in India, but 1500 plus ‘other’ languages that are either mother tongues or different dialects. However, Hindi and English are the 2 official languages of the country. On 14th September 1949, Hindi was recognized as the official language of the Republic of India. Each year Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14th September to commemorate the occasion and to emphasise on the spread and growth of the Hindi language. 

Role of Language in India

As said, ‘Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift.’ India is a land of many societies, communities and hence home to a fascinating range and dialects of languages. The cultural heritage is reflected and enhanced by parlance and usage of different languages. Undoubtedly, language in India is another out of the many examples that justify and uphold the ‘unity in diversity’ tagline. Yet, it has also led to differences and divisions. Language historically has been one of the reasons on which states have been segregated. In fact, the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 reformed state boundaries based on languages spoken in the region. 

Hindi as the official language

During British India rule, the official languages included Urdu, English and Hindi. English was the main language used in administrative functions, education etc. Hindi, on the other hand, became the official language much later in the 1900 when an order was passed to allow the usage of Hindi in Devanagari script in the northwestern provinces. 

However, post Independence, both English and Hindi were vying for official language status. The tussle was such that finally a compromise was reached, that is also known as the Munshi-Ayyangar formula. 

The advocates of pushing for Hindi as the official language of the country included KM Munshi, Beohar Rajendra Simha, Kaka Kalelkar, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Seth Govind Das and Maithili Sharan Gupt. On the other hand, several leaders, especially from southern India, such as N Gopalaswami Ayyangar, T A Ramalingam Chettiar and Frank Anthony wanted English as the official language. Three years after Independence, finally on September 14th 1949 the Munshi-Ayyangar formula was declared. Hindi would be the official language of India and English was designated as an associate official language for a time period of 15 years. Also, Hindu-Arabic numerals were established as the official numerals. 

This resolution became the foundation of Article 343-351 of the Indian Constitution. Also, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, 22 scheduled  languages were listed, which are considered the next most spoken and written languages of the country. Some of these include Tamil, Urdu, Telugu, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Sindhi and more. 

However, after 15 years, the Indian Government declared that English would remain the ‘de facto formal’ language of India. Hence, today both Hindi and English are considered as the official languages of the country. 

Hindi Diwas Significance

Though Hindi became the official language of India in 1949, Hindi Diwas celebrations started only in 1953. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister to adopt and celebrate Hindi Diwas. 

One of the main reasons to commemorate Hindi Diwas was to ensure the spread and promotion of the Hindi language. Additionally, 14 September is also the birth anniversary of Rajendra Simha who was one of the most prominent champions of advocating the status of official language to Hindi. 

Several events are conducted, especially in schools and colleges on this day. Besides, accolades and awards are given to distinguished literary artists and linguists on Hindi Diwas. 

Around 600 million people speak Hindi across the world. However, the influence of English was and continues to spread, dangering the growth and preservation of Hindi. Keeping this in mind, governments of the past deemed it necessary to observe and celebrate Hindi Diwas. With various events and programs, this day marks the significance of the language that Mahatma Gandhi called the ‘language of masses.’ The day is a reminder of integration and preservation of the language. It celebrates the cultural richness and literary heritage of Hindi and honors its status in the country. 

Moreover, Hindi Diwas also highlights the linguistic diversity of India. 

Awards and Celebrations

Various local level events are organised on Hindi Diwas all over the country. Cultural programs, literary events and competitions are held in schools and educational institutions. Also, each year a theme is assigned around which the celebrations and events revolve. 

On a larger level, the President of India awards excellence in the different fields of Hindi at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The Rajbhasha Kirti Puruskar and Rajbhasha Gaurav Puruskar are conferred upon ministers, government departments, PSUs, nationalised banks etc. 

Facts about Hindi

• Hindi is derived from the Persian word Hind which means the ‘Land of Indus River.’ Persian Turks invaded the northern regions of the subcontinent and in the 11th century named Hindi as the language of the land.
• Hindi has several dialects. However, all dialects use the Devanagari script. South Indian languages use the Dravidian script. 
• Hindi is the official language of Fiji. It is also a regional language of Suriname, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Nepal. 
• Hindi is considered the most spoken language in the world after English, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. 
• Bihar was the first Indian state to adopt Hindi as the official language by replacing it with Urdu. 
• The first published Hindi book is Prem Sagar written by Lallu Lal in 1805. 
• World Hindi Day is celebrated on 10th January all over the world. 

Hindi is an important language of India and is spoken by more than 40% of its population. Several important literary works are also written in Hindi, making it an integral part of the culture and social structure of the country. Hindi Diwas is thus an attempt to value the language and ensure that it does not lose its significance over western influences. 

FAQs on Hindi Diwas

When and why is Hindi Diwas celebrated?

Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14th September to commemorate the status of Hindi as           an official language of India. 

Where is the status of Hindi mentioned in the constitution?

Article 343 of the Indian Constitution states that Hindi in Devanagari script is the official      language of the Union and will be used for all official purposes. 

In which states of India is Hindi predominantly spoken?

Hindi is spoken in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand,          Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan.

What are the initiatives taken by the government to promote Hindi?

There are several initiatives and developments undertaken by the government for the        growth of Hindi. Some of these include:

• Establishment of Central Hindi Directorate in 1960
• Hindi Chairs were established by ICCR (Indian Council of Cultural Relations) in foreign institutions and universities. 
• LILA or Learn Indian Languages through AI initiated Prabodh, Praveen and Pragya levels of learning Hindi. 
• The Rajbhasha Awards for excellence in Hindi
• Establishment of the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan Act in 1956

What is the theme of Hindi Diwas 2024?

The theme for Hindi Diwas 2024 is ‘Hindi- the bridge between traditional knowledge and      artificial intelligence.

Few Lines on Hindi Diwas

1. Hindi is an integral part of Indian Culture.

2. Hindi Diwas is Celebration of the language that connects all.

3. Hindi Diwas is an initiative to promote and preserve the Hindi language.

4. Embrace Hindi, the language that reflects our pride and glory.

5. Hindi Diwas, a reminder of the rich heritage of the past and the path to an enriched cultural future.

6. On Hindi Diwas let’s celebrate Hindi – the vibrant and glorious language of our past, present and future.

7. Hindi Diwas – A celebration of our linguistic heritage.