Hindi Diwas 2024: History, Significance, and Celebrations
Hindi Diwas 2024: History, Significance, and Celebrations
Hindi Diwas, observed annually on September 14, commemorates the adoption of Hindi as the official language of the Union Government. This year marks 75 years since that historic decision, highlighting the language’s significance in India’s cultural and social landscape.
Hindi Diwas is celebrated every year to promote the usage and importance of Hindi across the country. Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, is the most widely spoken language in India and the third most spoken language globally. The day marks the adoption of Hindi as the official language by the Constituent Assembly of India in 1949. This year, 2024, is particularly significant as it marks the 75th anniversary of this historic moment.
On September 14, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India made a monumental decision to designate Hindi, in the Devanagari script, as the official language of the newly independent nation. Article 343 (1) of the Indian Constitution formalized this, stating that Hindi would be the official language of the Union. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, subsequently declared September 14 as Hindi Diwas.
This date also commemorates the birth anniversary of Beohar Rajendra Simha, a prominent Hindi scholar and poet, who played a crucial role in promoting Hindi as the official language. The inaugural celebration of Hindi Diwas was held on September 14, 1953.
Significance of Hindi Diwas
Hindi Diwas is not just a celebration of a language but also a recognition of the cultural identity and unity it brings to India. Hindi serves as a link language across various regions and communities, fostering a sense of national pride. The day encourages the younger generation to appreciate and engage more with Hindi, promoting its usage in everyday life.
Although Hindi became an official language in 1949, the Indian Constitution allowed English to remain in use for official purposes due to objections from non-Hindi-speaking states. As a result, both Hindi and English continue to serve as official languages.
Mahatma Gandhi had first proposed making Hindi the national language at the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan in 1918. Later, in 1977, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the first leader to address the United Nations General Assembly in Hindi, marking a significant milestone in Hindi’s global recognition.
Theme and Celebrations of Hindi Diwas 2024
Each year, a theme is announced to guide the celebrations, focusing on different aspects of the Hindi language. While the theme for Hindi Diwas 2024 is yet to be officially declared, the day will once again emphasize the role of Hindi in the country’s cultural and social fabric.
Various awards, including the Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar and Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar, are presented to ministries, government departments, PSUs, nationalised banks and individuals for their efforts in promoting Hindi. Literary and cultural events are organized in schools, colleges, and educational institutions to engage students with the language. Government departments and social organizations also host events to highlight the importance of Hindi.
Hindi Diwas serves as a reminder of the language’s enduring significance in shaping India’s national identity and fostering unity among its people.
