Every year on January 10th, the world comes together to celebrate World Hindi Day with the aim of promoting and enhancing the use of the Hindi language. While National Hindi Day is observed annually on September 14th, primarily focusing on the recognition of Hindi in India, World Hindi Day holds its roots in the commemoration of the first World Hindi Conference, which took place on January 10, 1975, in Nagpur.
History: Inception of World Hindi Day
The genesis of World Hindi Day dates back to the year 2006 when it was first celebrated, marking the anniversary of the inaugural World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur on January 10, 1975. This significant day is a tribute to the moment when Hindi was spoken for the first time in the United Nations’ General Assembly in 1949.
World Hindi Day is not just confined to India; it is also celebrated by Indian embassies across the globe. In 2018, the World Hindi Secretariat building was inaugurated in Port Louis, Mauritius, signifying the global recognition and importance of the Hindi language.
Essence of World Hindi Day
The primary objective of World Hindi Day is to create awareness about the Indian language and promote it as a global language. This day is not only utilized to spread awareness about the use of Hindi but also to enlighten people about issues related to its usage and propagation.
National Hindi Day: A Glimpse into India’s Language Evolution
Designated on September 14th each year, National Hindi Day commemorates the adoption of Hindi as the official language by the Constituent Assembly of India in 1949. Visionaries like Kaka Kalelkar, Maithili Sharan Gupta, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, and Seth Govind Das played pivotal roles in the evolution of Hindi as a Rajbhasha (national language). Hindi also holds a significant position as the eighth schedule language according to Article 351, which provides directives for the development of Hindi.
In an effort to nurture Hindi, the Central Hindi Directorate was established under the Ministry of Education in 1960. Additionally, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has established ‘Hindi Chairs’ in various foreign universities and institutions to promote Indian culture and language. The government has also introduced innovative initiatives like Leela-Rajbhasha, an AI-based self-tutoring application for learning Indian languages.
Recognizing contributions to Hindi, the Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar and Rajbhasha Keerti Puraskar honor individuals for their remarkable contributions to the language.
Understanding Hindi: Beyond Borders
The name “Hindi” is derived from the Persian word ‘Hind,’ meaning ‘land of the Indus River.’ During the 11th century, invaders in the region referred to the language spoken around the Indus River as Hindi, signifying the language of the land. Hindi holds the status of being the official language of India, with English as the second official language. It is also spoken in countries outside India, including Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Nepal.
The journey of Hindi has seen various stages, with its earliest form known as Apabhramsa. Modern Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, emerged in the 11th century and gained official recognition. Hindi has flourished through different phases, and its current form reflects its diverse history.
Theme for World Hindi Day 2024: Navigating Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence
Each year, World Hindi Day is celebrated with a unique theme, shaping the events and activities associated with it. In 2024, the theme is “Hindi: Navigating Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence.” This theme emphasizes the transition of Hindi language and knowledge from traditional roots to the era of artificial intelligence.
Various programs and events are organized around this theme, providing a platform for people to actively participate and engage in the celebration of Hindi language and culture.
In conclusion, World Hindi Day stands as a beacon, illuminating the richness and diversity of the Hindi language. It is a celebration of linguistic heritage, a journey from historical roots to contemporary advancements. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of Hindi, let us embrace the cultural wealth it brings to the global stage. Happy World Hindi Day!
