VISHWA HINDI DIWAS – EVENT

VISHWA HINDI DIWAS – EVENT

NEWS: World Hindi Day is celebrated every year on Jnauary 10

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?    

1. Celebration Date:
• Dedicated to promoting the Hindi language across the globe and fostering awareness about its cultural and linguistic significance.
• The theme for 2025 is “Hindi: A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride.” This theme emphasizes the role of Hindi as a unifying force and a representation of India’s cultural heritage on international platforms.
2. Purpose:
• The celebration of World Hindi Day aims to increase awareness about the Hindi language, encourage its usage in international forums, and strengthen connections among Hindi-speaking communities worldwide.
• It also seeks to address challenges associated with the usage and promotion of the Hindi language and to establish Hindi as a global language.

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Significance:
• World Hindi Day commemorates the first time Hindi was spoken at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1949, marking its initial step toward global recognition.
• The first World Hindi Conference was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, setting a tradition of hosting conferences to promote Hindi worldwide. Since then, these conferences have been held in various countries, reflecting the international interest in the language.
• The decision to celebrate World Hindi Day annually was made in 2006, and the first official celebration was held on January 10, 2006, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
2. Purpose of World Hindi Day:
• The main objective of this day is to promote Hindi as a global language, raise awareness about its significance, and address the challenges hindering its worldwide adoption.
• The day also serves as an opportunity to recognize Hindi’s growing importance in fostering global cultural exchange and communication.
3. Hindi’s Role at the United Nations:
• On June 10, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on ‘Multilingualism’, which was co-sponsored by India. For the first time, this resolution included a mention of the Hindi language.
• The resolution encouraged the UN Department of Global Communications to disseminate its communications in multiple languages, including Hindi, highlighting Hindi’s growing relevance on international platforms.
• A Voluntary Financial Contribution Agreement was signed between the Government of India and the UN in 2018 to promote the use of Hindi in the UN system. Initially valid for two years, this agreement has been extended and will remain in force until March 2025.

Hindi Language

• Hindi got its name from the Persian word Hind, meaning 'land of the Indus River'. Turk invaders in the early 11^th century named the language of the region Hindi, 'language of the land of the Indus River'.
• It is the official language of India, English being the other official language.
• Hindi is also spoken in some countries outside India, such as in Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Nepal.
• Hindi in its present form emerged through different stages, during which it was known by other names. The earliest form of old Hindi was Apabhramsa. In 400 AD Kalidas wrote a romantic play in Apabhramsa called Vikramorvashiyam.
• The modern Devanagari script came into existence in the 11^th century.

Is Hindi India’s National Language?

1. No National Language in India:

·         India does not have a national language. The Constitution recognizes 22 languages under the Eighth Schedule, but none is designated as the “national language.”

·         Article 351 of the Constitution directs the Union to promote Hindi as a medium of expression for India’s composite culture. However, this promotion must respect the diversity of India’s linguistic landscape and not interfere with the forms, styles, and expressions used in other languages, such as Hindustani.

How Widely is Hindi Spoken in India?

1. Linguistic Census 2011:

·         According to the 2011 linguistic census, 52.8 crore people (43.6% of the population) identify Hindi as their mother tongue, making it the most widely spoken language in India.

·         Bengali is the second-most widely spoken language, with 9.7 crore speakers (8%), which is less than one-fifth of Hindi’s count.

2. Hindi as a Second Language:

·         An additional 13.9 crore people (11%) reported Hindi as their second language, meaning over 55% of India’s population can speak Hindi either as their first or second language.

Use of Hindi in Indian Courts

1. Primary Language of Proceedings:

·         According to Article 348 of the Constitution, all proceedings in the Supreme Court and High Courts, as well as official documents such as Acts, Bills, ordinances, and rules, must be conducted in English, unless Parliament decides otherwise.

2. Permitted Use of Hindi in High Courts:

·         Under Article 348(2), Hindi or any other state’s official language can be used in High Court proceedings if authorized by the Governor and approved by the President of India.

·         However, any judgment, decree, or order issued in such languages must also include an English translation.

3. Official Languages Act:

·         Section 7 of the Official Languages Act allows the Governor, with the President’s consent, to authorize the use of Hindi or the state’s official language for High Court judgments, provided an English translation accompanies them.

Difference in between World Hindi Day and National Hindi Day 

World Hindi Day is observed on 10 January every year while National Hindi Day is celebrated on 14 September as a day that marked the adoption of Hindi as the official language of India in 1949.

Here are major differences in between World Hindi Day and National Hindi Day: 

Conclusion

World Hindi Day celebrates the richness and global relevance of the Hindi language, emphasizing its importance as a tool for cultural unity and international communication. While Hindi has achieved significant milestones, including recognition at the UN, its promotion faces challenges in India’s diverse linguistic landscape and in sectors like the judiciary. The day serves as a platform to address these challenges and work toward the greater recognition of Hindi as a global language.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-of-the-day-vishwa-hindi-diwas-2025-9768967/