Hindi Divas, observed annually on 14th September, is a day dedicated to celebrating the richness and significance of Hindi, India’s most widely spoken language.
This year, the occasion holds particular importance as it will be celebrated over two days, on the 14th and 15th of September, with a series of cultural and literary events aimed at promoting the language. As Hindi Divas approaches, it is crucial to reflect on the role that Hindi plays in uniting a diverse nation, as well as its potential in promoting India’s cultural and economic influence globally.
The importance of Hindi stems from its deep-rooted connection to India’s history and culture. A language spoken by over 43% of the Indian population, Hindi has evolved over centuries and is an integral part of the country’s heritage. It emerged as a unifying language during the freedom struggle when leaders like Mahatma Gandhi advocated for its use as a means to bridge regional and linguistic divides. The Constitution of India, on 14th September 1949, recognized Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Republic of India. Since then, Hindi Divas has been observed to commemorate this landmark decision and to encourage its usage across the country.
While Hindi occupies a pivotal position in India’s identity, it is not merely a language of communication but a repository of India’s ancient wisdom, culture, and literary wealth.
The literary tradition of Hindi is rich, with poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, and modern writers such as Premchand and Mahadevi Verma contributing timeless works that reflect India’s social and philosophical milieu. Hindi literature continues to flourish, offering a mirror to the aspirations, struggles, and realities of contemporary Indian society. On Hindi Divas, cultural and literary festivals showcase these contributions, reminding the nation of the language’s evolving vibrancy.
Despite Hindi’s prominence, the language faces certain challenges. India’s multilingual fabric ensures that no single language dominates its social landscape, with regional languages like Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, and others enjoying a vast speaker base. English, too, has cemented its role as the language of global commerce, science, and diplomacy, leading to a perception among certain sections of society that Hindi is not essential for upward mobility. However, this overlooks Hindi’s inherent strength as a link language that transcends regional boundaries. While it is vital to maintain a balance between English and other regional languages, Hindi plays a key role in fostering national unity.
At a global level, the rise of Hindi is evident. As India’s economic and geopolitical influence grows, so does the global interest in learning Hindi. The growing Indian diaspora in the United States, Canada, and Europe have contributed towards Hindi being recognized as a valuable language in these regions. Online platforms and digital content in Hindi, spanning from news to entertainment, further amplify its reach, catering to a global audience. |
