Bengali Language Among Fastest-Growing in India, Celebrating International Mother Language Day 2024

On February 21, International Mother Language Day is observed globally, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural preservation. Originating from the Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh, this day is recognized by UNESCO and aims to protect endangered languages since 1999.

Each year, the celebration focuses on promoting language preservation, and in 2024, the theme is ‘Multilingual Education is a Pillar of Intergenerational Learning’, emphasizing the role of languages in inclusive education and cultural heritage.

According to the 2011 Indian census, Hindi remains the most widely spoken language in India, followed by Bengali as the fourth fastest-growing language in the country. Other prominent languages in India include Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Sanskrit.

The census report also highlights the linguistic demographics in India, with a significant number of multilingual and trilingual speakers in the country. In 2011, there were 314.9 million multilingual speakers and 7% trilingual speakers, emphasizing the linguistic diversity present in India.

International Mother Language Day serves as a platform to underscore the intrinsic value of linguistic diversity and the vital role that mother languages play in shaping identities and cultures. It encourages collaborative efforts from communities, educational institutions, and policymakers to protect and promote linguistic heritage.

As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to fostering understanding, tolerance, and unity through the appreciation and preservation of our mother languages, ensuring that no language is left behind as we embrace diversity and inclusivity.