Know about the rich history of Hindi Diwas, celebrated every year on September 14

Hindi Diwas or National Hindi Day, celebrated annually on September 14, ties historically to an important day at the time of the birth of an independent India. The day commemorates the adoption of Hindi language as one of the official Indian languages.

Since the language was spoken by Indians in most states during independence, it was decided that it will be the language of the Union government. A compromise was reached on September 14, 1949, to give Hindi an official status.

The occasion, that has been celebrated every year since 1953, makes it the 69th Hindi Day this year. P.S. Hindi is the third most spoken language in the world, with roughly 600 million speakers worldwide. It descends from Sanskrit, one of world's oldest languages.

'Hindi Hai Hum' — the lyrics of the evergreen patriotic song 'Saare Jahan Se Acha, Hindustan Hamara' still echoes in our minds and is a constant reminder of the pride running through our veins. The childhood scenario of us humming the song with fervour remains a vivid memory.

While today, we as Indians are all for inclusivity and every language holds utmost value and significance, this historical day (given the social and political context of the time) is momentous.

Article 343(1) of Chapter 17 of the Indian constitution mentions,

Did you also know that it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee who, in 1977, gave a lecture in Hindi at a United Nations forum, after which the language was recognised world-wide?

The day is celebrated each year at various schools, colleges and institutions to proffer respect to the language. For this, fun activities of numerous kinds are organised to instill into students 'Bhasha Samman' or honour for Hindi.

While in the postcolonial world, we're still trying to hold to our roots and morals, these are occasions that remind us of the struggles the country once came out of. In turn, it develops a special respect for all the Indian languages and reminds us why we should always participate in the upliftment of the same.