Dr Shubhankar Mishra
It is commonly believed that expressing deep emotions in one’s native language is more effective than using a non-native language. Our mother tongue, the first language we learn from birth, plays a crucial role in understanding the world and developing essential learning and critical thinking skills. Numerous studies have shown that individuals proficient in their native language usually perform better academically. Highlighting the importance of language, UNESCO’s former Director-General, Ms Irina Bokova, once stated, “To prioritise quality, equity, and lifelong learning for all in the new global education agenda, it is essential to encourage the full use of mother language in teaching and learning and promote linguistic diversity. Inclusive language education policies will not only lead to higher levels of learning but will also contribute to tolerance, social cohesion, and ultimately, peace.”
In the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, UNESCO published a policy paper titled ‘If you don’t understand, how can you learn?’ It highlights that 40% of people worldwide are deprived of education in their mother tongue. This can have a harmful impact on children’s learning, especially those living in poverty. This unjust situation needs to change worldwide.
In today’s interconnected world, proficiency in multiple languages is very valuable. It is a unique skill that holds immense worth, and we must acknowledge that everyone has the right to communicate and receive education in their native language. Contextually, Hindi, as a native language, plays a significant role in promoting these traits.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Hindi ke bina main gunga hoon” – without Hindi, I am voiceless. He considered Hindi to be the language of the masses. Hindi not only represents cultural identity but also a profound sense of belonging, connecting individuals to their shared legacy and history. We can all take pride in the rich cultural and historical significance of Hindi.
On August 15, 1947, India achieved independence from British colonial rule, marking the end of subjugation and the beginning of a new era as a sovereign nation. On September 14, 1949, Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, was officially recognised as the language of India by the constitution makers, playing a crucial role in unifying the diverse Indian population. Consequently, on January 26, 1950, Hindi was formally declared the official language of the Union of India upon adopting the constitution. Hindi is one of the 22 scheduled national languages of the country, clearly emphasising India’s inclusive policy for indigenous languages. Hindi is the official language of the Union of India and also of its eleven states and three union territories.
In India, several dedicated institutions, namely the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Law and Justice, have been established to lead these efforts. These institutions play a crucial role in integrating Hindi into official work, education, and the judicial process, emphasising the language’s overall significance. The Ministry of External Affairs promotes Hindi globally, particularly within the Indian diaspora.
Sense of belonging
Hindi serves as the ‘Sampark Bhasha’ – the contact language for a large section of the population in India and diasporic communities worldwide, regardless of their mother tongue or proficiency in other languages. This unique role of Hindi fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, making everyone feel valued and part of a larger community. It is not just a language but a unifying force that brings people together.
Hindi is a powerful tool for communication and expression, serving as a primary medium for literary works, music, film, and more. With a global community of 600 million, this is a source of knowledge and entertainment, uniting Indian-origin communities worldwide. In the digital age, resources such as virtual assistants and language materials provide an enriching learning experience, making the language more accessible and promoting its use. The Pan-Indian Hindi language has helped Indians preserve their culture and heritage, even when they move away from India. Works like ‘Ramcharitmanas’, ‘Satyarth Prakash’, and ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ have played a significant role in sustaining the Hindi language as part of the heritage of Indian communities in countries such as Mauritius, Fiji, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, etc.
The relationship between Hindi and other world languages has strengthened, leading to greater linguistic diversity in the various spoken forms of Hindi worldwide. More people are learning Hindi and showing interest in Indian culture in countries worldwide, promoting cultural exchange. Hindi is thriving internationally, serving as a bridge connecting people to their rich cultural heritage. Over 200 universities offer opportunities to learn, teach, and research Hindi, demonstrating the language’s significant global recognition.
The Federal Republic of India has prioritised promoting Hindi and continues to take measures to increase its usage at the UN and other international platforms. Hindi is currently one of the nine working languages in the United Nations. In 1977, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then the Honourable Minister of External Affairs, made a historic speech in Hindi at the UN General Assembly’s 32nd session, setting a precedent for promoting Hindi on an international platform. His exceptional oratory skills showcased the power and beauty of the Hindi language and expressed India’s unwavering commitment to peace, non-alignment, and friendship with all nations. Following this path, Indian leaders have continued to use Hindi at the United Nations in recent years, including the Prime Minister’s addresses at the UN General Assembly’s subsequent sessions.
Encouraging multilingualism worldwide, there is a call for Hindi to be officially recognised as a language of the United Nations. This recognition would reaffirm the inclusivity in society and drive businesses worldwide.
Expressing commitment
India’s co-sponsorship of a resolution on multilingualism at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) led to a historic acknowledgement of the Hindi language. The resolution, adopted unanimously on June 10, 2022, emphasises the importance of spreading vital information and messages in official and non-official languages, including Hindi.
The United Nations has been appreciative in promoting the Hindi language and culture, including launching Hindi social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, a Hindi website for UN News, broadcasts of its programmes in Hindi on the UN Radio website, a weekly Hindi news bulletin on Sound Cloud, a UN blog in Hindi, and a Hindi extension of the UN News mobile app for Android and iOS among others. A ‘Voluntary Financial Contribution Agreement’ between the UN and the Government of India supports these efforts until March 2025. The UN’s Hindi social media accounts have thousands of followers, and the Hindi UN News website receives approximately 1.3 million annual impressions, ranking it in the top ten on internet search engines.
The Indian government promotes Hindi within the country and among diasporic communities through various initiatives, such as celebrating Hindi Day on September 14 and World Hindi Day on January 10 annually, expressing commitment and reaffirming the cause.
India is making significant efforts to promote multilingualism and preserve its diverse linguistic landscape. The World Hindi Conference and Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) are excellent platforms for scholars and writers from across the globe to come together and celebrate the contributions of the Hindi language and the rich legacy of Indian culture. The Ministry of External Affairs has been organising the World Hindi Conference, in collaboration with the host country, since 1975, celebrating the shared heritage and fostering stronger bonds. The conference has been hosted in various countries, and each edition is dedicated to promoting and propagating Hindi. This conference showcased the evolution of language in the digital age. These conferences have been playing critical roles in enhancing the discussions and deliberations for Hindi, paving the way for a bright and promising future.
Similarly, it’s also truly inspiring to learn that in 2019, the dignitaries from Mauritius graced the PBD held in Varanasi and further, in January 2023, a Mauritian delegation visited Indore, for the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD). These events demonstrate the lasting influence of their shared heritage and concern for their ancestral language at a profound level. Additionally, establishing the World Hindi Secretariat by India and Mauritius as a bilateral organisation in Mauritius is a significant step towards promoting Hindi as a global language and advocating for its inclusion as an official language in the United Nations. The World Hindi Secretariat has been pivotal in promoting Hindi as a global language.
In today’s fast-changing, globalized landscape, Hindi’s influence is rapidly growing. As a language and a major player in the digital sphere, Hindi nurtures vital 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, digital literacy, and cultural awareness. It unites people from India and beyond, representing our rich heritage and culture. Let’s promote and preserve Hindi and celebrate its significance on the diamond jubilee celebration of Hindi Diwas on September 14, nationally and globally. Hindi Diwas Abhinandan – Greetings for Hindi Diwas 2024.
