Why is Hindi Diwas celebrated on 14 September? हिंदी दिवस कब और क्यों मनाया जाता है?

Hindi Diwas: Commemorating a Language Legacy

Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on the 14th of September, holds a special place in India’s cultural and linguistic calendar. This significant day commemorates the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of India. Let’s explore the history and significance behind the celebration of Hindi Diwas.

Hindi is written in Devanagari script for the unversed. It comprises of a large number of dialects attached to it such as Khari Boli, Awadhi, Bundeli, Braj and Bagheli. India has a maximum number of Hindi-speaking regions as compared to other countries. So far, the Hindi Language is standing at fourth place worldwide after English, Spanish and Mandarin.

Inaugural Hindi Diwas in 1953

The inaugural Hindi Diwas was celebrated on September 14, 1953. This day was earmarked for celebration by none other than India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Recognizing the importance of Hindi as a unifying force in a linguistically diverse nation, Nehru’s decision marked the official observance of Hindi Diwas.

The Decision of 1949

The Constituent Assembly of India accepted Hindi, written in Devanagari script, as the official language of India on September 14, 1949. Officially, the first Hindi Day was celebrated on September 14, 1953. The reason behind adopting Hindi as one of the official languages was to simplify administration in a nation with multiple languages. Efforts were made by several writers, poets and activists for the adoption of Hindi as the official language.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Vision

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in shaping the celebration of Hindi Diwas. He envisioned this day as an occasion to honor and promote the Hindi language, which serves as a lingua franca for millions of Indians. Nehru’s vision aimed to foster a sense of unity among the diverse linguistic communities in India.

Promoting Hindi and Cultural Richness

Hindi Diwas transcends its historical significance to become a celebration of the Hindi language and the vibrant cultural tapestry it represents. It is a day when literary enthusiasts, poets, writers, and artists across the nation come together to showcase the richness and diversity of Hindi literature and culture.

Preserving Linguistic Diversity

In an era marked by globalization and the prominence of English as a global language, Hindi Diwas serves as a reminder of the need to preserve and promote India’s indigenous languages. While Hindi takes the center stage on this day, it also underscores the broader importance of safeguarding India’s linguistic diversity.

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