Hindi Diwas 2024: Celebrating India's Linguistic Heritage

Hindi Diwas 2024: Overview and Theme

• Hindi Diwas 2024 will be celebrated on September 14, marking the day Hindi was adopted as India's official language in 1949.
• The official theme for Hindi Diwas 2024 is "Hindi – the bridge between traditional knowledge and artificial intelligence."
• This annual celebration commemorates the Constituent Assembly's decision to designate Hindi as an official language, later enshrined in the Constitution on January 26, 1950.
• Hindi Diwas aligns with the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's decision to celebrate the language on this day.
• While Hindi is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, it is not classified as a classical language.
• Article 351 of the Constitution outlines the 'Directive for the development of the Hindi language,' reflecting the government's commitment to its promotion and growth.

Government Initiatives and Promotion of Hindi

• The Central Hindi Directorate, established in 1960 under the Ministry of Education, leads efforts to promote and disseminate Hindi.
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) promotes Hindi globally by establishing 'Hindi Chairs' in foreign universities and institutions.
• LILA-Rajbhasha, a multimedia-based intelligent self-tutoring application, facilitates Hindi learning.
• The Department of Official Language has launched tech-driven initiatives like E-Saral Hindi Vakya Kosh and E-Mahashabdkosh Mobile App to support Hindi's growth.
• Awards such as Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar and Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar recognize significant contributions to Hindi promotion.
• The government actively encourages Hindi usage in various domains, including literature, media, education, and administration.

Historical Background and Facts About Hindi

• Hindi's name derives from the Persian word 'Hind,' meaning 'land of the Indus River.'
• It is a direct descendant of Sanskrit and has undergone various developmental stages.
• The earliest form, known as Apabhramsa, dates back to 400 AD when playwright Kalidas wrote "Vikramorvashiyam."
• The modern Devanagari script used for Hindi was established in the 11th century.
• Hindi is the fourth most widely spoken language globally, primarily written in the Devanagari script.
• It serves as one of India's official languages alongside English and is spoken in several countries outside India, including Mauritius, Fiji, and Nepal.
• The first Hindi Diwas was celebrated in 1953, following the proposal by Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samiti, Wardha.
• As of the 2011 census, India has 528 million native Hindi speakers, comprising about 43% of the total population.

Significance and Celebration of Hindi Diwas

• Hindi Diwas fosters pride and appreciation for the language's beauty, history, and cultural richness.
• It promotes unity and diversity by strengthening bonds between Hindi-speaking communities and encouraging cultural exchange.
• The day raises awareness about Hindi's global presence and fosters collaborations with other languages and cultures.
• It provides a platform for discussing challenges and opportunities faced by Hindi in the globalized world.
• Schools, colleges, and government departments organize various events to celebrate Hindi Diwas.
• Common activities include essay writing, creative writing, poem recitation, speeches, debates, skits, and plays.
• Local political parties and social organizations host events featuring local leaders and prominent individuals discussing the importance of mother tongues and regional languages.
• The celebration encourages efforts to translate literary works, develop digital tools, and promote Hindi education internationally.