Hindi Day, observed annually on September 14, commemorates the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of India. The Constituent Assembly made this decision on September 14, 1949, marking a significant milestone in India's post-independence history. It symbolises the country’s quest to embrace linguistic diversity while promoting a sense of unity.
The choice of Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as an official language was not arbitrary. Hindi, rooted in ancient Sanskrit, had evolved as a lingua franca for vast swathes of India, especially in the northern and central regions. However, the decision was also a pragmatic one. Post-independence India needed a language that could serve as a bridge among its diverse population while reducing the colonial legacy of English.
Over the years, Hindi Day has evolved into more than just a celebration. It’s a moment to reflect on the language’s role in shaping Indian identity. Schools, colleges, and government institutions organise events such as essay competitions, poetry recitations, and seminars to promote Hindi’s cultural and literary significance.
A Rich History of Hindi
The Hindi language has a rich history that spans several centuries, evolving through various cultural and linguistic influences. Here's an overview of its journey:
Origins in Sanskrit
Hindi's roots trace back to Sanskrit, the ancient Indo-Aryan language of India.
Sanskrit gave rise to Prakrits (natural languages) during the Maurya and Gupta empires (3rd century BCE to 6th century CE). These were simpler forms of Sanskrit, spoken by the common people.
From Prakrits, Apabhramsha emerged around the 6th century CE, marking a transitional phase toward modern Indian languages, including Hindi.
Early Hindi (7th–12th Century CE)
Early Hindi began to take shape in northern India, particularly in the regions of present-day Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
It was influenced by local dialects, such as Braj Bhasha, Awadhi, and Khari Boli.
Early Hindi literature, like poetry by Amir Khusrau, shows the blending of Persian vocabulary with native Indian languages.
Mediaeval Period (13th–18th Century CE)
During the Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th centuries) and the Mughal Empire (16th–18th centuries), Persian and Arabic had a significant impact on Hindi.
The Delhi dialect known as Khari Boli served as the basis for modern Hindi.
Literature flourished in various dialects:
Braj Bhasha: Famous for devotional poetry (e.g., works of Surdas and Tulsidas).
Awadhi: Known for epics like the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas.
Emergence of Modern Hindi (19th Century)
During British rule, Khari Boli gained prominence as the standard form of Hindi, distinguishing itself from Urdu, which shared similar grammar but borrowed heavily from Persian and Arabic.
In 1881, Bihar became the first Indian state to adopt Hindi as its official language, replacing Urdu.
Hindi reformers like Bharatendu Harishchandra promoted the use of Hindi in literature and public discourse.
Hindi as a National Language (20th Century)
The Indian independence movement elevated Hindi as a unifying language for the nation.
Mahatma Gandhi advocated for Hindustani, a blend of Hindi and Urdu, to promote inclusivity.
Article 343 of the Constitution designated Hindi in Devanagari script as one of India's official languages in 1949, post-independence.
Modern Hindi
Today, Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with over 600 million speakers globally.
It has over ten recognised dialects, including Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Chhattisgarhi.
Hindi has a thriving modern literature scene, as well as a significant presence in Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry.
Key characteristics of Hindi
The text is written in the Devanagari script, which is phonetic and well-suited for the language.
Derives vocabulary from Sanskrit, with influences from Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and English.
It has two forms: formal Hindi (closer to Sanskrit) and colloquial Hindi (with borrowed words from other languages).
How many people speak Hindi today?
Hindi's influence extends far beyond India's borders. As of 2025, approximately 600 million people speak Hindi as their first language, making it the third most spoken language in the world after English and Mandarin. When accounting for second-language speakers, the number exceeds 800 million. These figures include the extensive Indian diaspora, where Hindi serves as a cultural anchor.
In India, Hindi is the mother tongue of about 43.6% of the population, according to the last census. It is also one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, recognised under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Beyond native speakers, Hindi's influence extends to Bollywood, which has popularised the language globally and government communications, where it often serves as the default medium.
The Debate: Is Hindi India’s National Language?
Despite its prominence, Hindi's status as a "national language" is a persistent source of contention. Technically, India does not have a national language. The Constitution designates Hindi and English as the official languages of the central government, while states have the freedom to choose their own official languages.
India's linguistic diversity deeply intertwines with the debate over Hindi's role. With over 19,500 languages and dialects spoken across the country, linguistic identity is a sensitive subject. Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, have resisted attempts to impose Hindi, viewing it as a threat to their regional languages and cultures. Movements like the anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s underscore the intensity of this opposition.
Hindi's proponents argue that its widespread usage and accessibility make it uniquely positioned to serve as a unifying language. Critics, however, contend that privileged Hindi risks marginalising non-Hindi speakers and eroding India's rich linguistic tapestry. They emphasise the importance of fostering multilingualism rather than promoting one language over another.
For many, Hindi is more than just a language; it’s an emotional and cultural lifeline. It’s the medium through which grandmothers tell stories, poets pen verses, and filmmakers craft tales that resonate with millions. At the same time, for non-Hindi speakers, the language often symbolises the complexities of Indian federalism and cultural pluralism.
Hindi Day serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of language in shaping identity and fostering unity. As India continues its journey as a global powerhouse, the challenge lies in celebrating Hindi without alienating the speakers of its other 121 major languages. After all, India’s strength lies in its diversity, and its languages are the threads that weave its vibrant tapestry.
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