PM Extends Greetings on Hindi Diwas, Calls for Enrichment of All Indian Languages

New Delhi, September 14 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Hindi Diwas and emphasized the importance of nurturing and enriching all Indian languages alongside Hindi. In his message, the Prime Minister underscored that while Hindi has served as a unifying language across diverse regions, every regional language in India carries a unique heritage and must be preserved and promoted with equal pride.

The observance of Hindi Diwas on September 14 each year commemorates the day in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. Since then, it has become a day not only to celebrate the spread and influence of Hindi but also to encourage discussions on linguistic diversity, cultural heritage, and the future of multilingual India.

A Call for Linguistic Unity Amid Diversity

In his official address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India’s strength lies in its cultural and linguistic diversity. “Hindi Diwas is not just a celebration of one language,” he said. “It is a reminder of our responsibility to preserve and enrich every language that forms the soul of India. From Kashmiri to Kannada, from Marathi to Manipuri, each language reflects the identity, tradition, and wisdom of our people.”

The Prime Minister further noted that the government has been undertaking several initiatives to promote regional languages, including their inclusion in educational curricula, translation of official documents, and promotion of literature and digital content in native tongues. He asserted that the Digital India campaign has played a transformative role in making information available in multiple Indian languages, thereby bridging linguistic gaps.

Historical Context of Hindi Diwas

The roots of Hindi Diwas go back to September 14, 1949, when the framers of the Indian Constitution recognized Hindi as the official language of India. The choice of Hindi was significant because it was already spoken by a large section of the population and had a literary tradition that connected modern India with its past.

However, the decision was not without debate. Many members of the Constituent Assembly emphasized the need to protect India’s multilingual identity. It was agreed that while Hindi would serve as an official language, English would continue to function as an associate official language for a transitional period. Over the decades, Hindi Diwas has become symbolic of not just the growth of Hindi but also the larger conversation about how India manages its linguistic plurality.

Significance of Hindi in Contemporary India

Hindi today is the most widely spoken language in India and one of the most spoken languages globally, with over 600 million speakers. It is also among the fastest-growing languages on the internet, with increasing adoption across social media, digital publishing, and e-commerce.

In his message, PM Modi highlighted how Hindi serves as a bridge language in many parts of the country. Migrants traveling across states often rely on Hindi as a medium of communication, making it a language of inclusivity and interaction. The Prime Minister also pointed out that Hindi cinema, television, and digital content have played a major role in popularizing the language globally.

Emphasis on Multilingual Growth

While stressing the significance of Hindi, PM Modi was careful to underline the government’s stance that all languages must flourish. “Languages are not in competition with each other; they are companions in building India’s future,” he remarked.

He referenced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages education in the mother tongue at the foundational level, thereby giving students the opportunity to learn in their native language while gradually acquiring proficiency in Hindi, English, and other regional or foreign languages. The NEP has been praised for addressing concerns that linguistic imposition could alienate communities.

Celebrations Across the Nation

Hindi Diwas 2025 was observed across government institutions, schools, colleges, and cultural organizations with a variety of programs, including debates, poetry recitations, essay competitions, and seminars on the role of Hindi in contemporary society.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, which plays a pivotal role in promoting Hindi, organized a special event in New Delhi, where awards were given to government departments and officials who excelled in the use of Hindi in administration.

At universities, cultural programs showcased the beauty of Hindi literature, from the works of great poets like Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Mahadevi Verma to contemporary voices shaping the language today. Students presented skits and musical performances based on Hindi classics, reinforcing the vibrancy of the language in modern expression.

Expert Opinions on Linguistic Diversity

Linguists and educationists welcomed the Prime Minister’s balanced message, noting that a focus on both Hindi and regional languages is essential to maintaining India’s cultural mosaic. Dr. Anvita Abbi, a noted linguist, stated, “India is home to more than 19,500 dialects and 22 officially recognized languages. Each language represents a repository of indigenous knowledge. It is heartening to see leadership acknowledging this diversity rather than prioritizing one language over others.”

Scholars also emphasized that preserving languages is not merely about literature but also about protecting cultural identity and heritage. When a language dies, a whole worldview risks disappearing. Thus, encouraging younger generations to take pride in their mother tongues while also learning Hindi and English is seen as a sustainable model for India’s multilingual future.

Hindi on the Global Stage

Beyond India, Hindi has steadily gained recognition worldwide. Countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa have significant Hindi-speaking populations due to historical migration patterns. In recent years, universities in the United States, Europe, and East Asia have introduced Hindi as part of their language and cultural studies programs.

PM Modi pointed out that the global spread of Hindi has been boosted by India’s growing diaspora and the popularity of Bollywood films and Indian music. He also mentioned how Hindi has found a place in global forums, including speeches at the United Nations.

Challenges in Promoting Linguistic Harmony

Despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring linguistic harmony in India. At times, proposals to promote Hindi as a national link language have sparked resistance in southern and northeastern states, where local languages hold deep cultural significance. Critics argue that Hindi should not be imposed at the expense of regional languages.

The Prime Minister’s balanced message on Hindi Diwas was therefore seen as a reassurance that the government values all languages equally. Analysts noted that this inclusive approach is crucial for fostering national unity without alienating any linguistic community.

The Role of Technology in Language Growth

Technology has emerged as a powerful tool in promoting linguistic diversity. Translation software, AI-driven language tools, and voice-recognition applications are making it easier for people to access services in their preferred languages. The government’s Bhashini initiative, part of the National Language Translation Mission, aims to make digital content available in all Indian languages, thereby democratizing access to information.

PM Modi emphasized the need to leverage technology to bridge linguistic barriers, noting that India’s digital economy can only be inclusive if people can engage with it in their native language.

Looking Ahead: A Multilingual Vision

The Prime Minister concluded his Hindi Diwas message with a vision for the future: an India where every child feels proud of their mother tongue, learns Hindi as a connecting language, and acquires English and other global languages for wider communication.

He called upon writers, poets, translators, educators, and technologists to contribute towards the enrichment of all Indian languages. “Our linguistic diversity is not a limitation but a source of infinite strength,” he said. “Let us move forward with pride in Hindi and equal pride in every Indian language.”

Public Reactions

Social media platforms were flooded with messages celebrating Hindi Diwas. Hashtags like #HindiDiwas, #OurLanguagesOurPride, and #BhashaKiShakti trended throughout the day. Citizens from different parts of India shared posts in their regional languages, highlighting the theme of linguistic harmony.

Many users welcomed PM Modi’s inclusive stance. “As a Tamil speaker, I feel reassured when the PM says all languages must grow together. Hindi is important, but so is Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and others,” wrote a user on X (formerly Twitter). Others shared Hindi poetry and literature, calling for more youth engagement with classical and modern Hindi works.