Insight of the Day Celebrating World Hindi Day 2025.

Subject: Culture & Polity
Relevance: The status of Hindi as India’s national language has been a subject of considerable debate for some time. In the current global context, the Indian government has placed significant emphasis on promoting Hindi internationally. Therefore, understanding this issue is particularly valuable for UPSC aspirants.

Why in the News?

World Hindi Day 2025, also known as Vishwa Hindi Diwas, is celebrated globally on January 10 every year to promote the Hindi language and highlight its role in fostering unity among Hindi-speaking communities. This observance also aims to elevate the language’s status on the world stage. The theme for this year is “Hindi: A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride,” underscoring its importance in global diplomacy, culture, and international relations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Origin and Evolution: World Hindi Day was first observed in 2006, though the occasion itself marks the anniversary of Hindi’s debut at the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. The first World Hindi Conference, organized by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, further laid the foundation for global recognition of the language.
2. Promoting Hindi Globally: Since 2006, the day has been used to raise awareness about Hindi and encourage its use globally. The UN’s 2022 resolution on Multilingualism was a significant milestone, as it explicitly mentioned Hindi, encouraging the dissemination of messages in both official and non-official languages, including Hindi.
3. India’s Diplomatic Role: In 2018, India signed a voluntary agreement with the UN to promote the use of Hindi within the UN system. This collaboration, initially for two years, has now been extended until March 2025, showcasing India’s commitment to increasing the global presence of Hindi.
4. National vs. Official Language: While World Hindi Day emphasizes the international usage of Hindi, Hindi Diwas, celebrated on September 14 in India, focuses on the national recognition of the language within India.

Is Hindi India’s National Language?

Contrary to common perception, Hindi is not designated as the national language of India. The Constitution of India does not formally declare any language as the national language.. However, Hindi is the official language of the Union, and the Constitution recognizes its role in unifying the diverse linguistic landscape of India. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Constitutional Provisions: According to Article 351, it is the Union’s duty to promote Hindi, but it must be done with respect for the linguistic diversity in India. This is reflected in the use of Hindi alongside regional languages for official purposes.
2. Linguistic Diversity: India is home to over 100 languages and 270 mother tongues. While Hindi is the most spoken language, with over 43% of the population identifying it as their mother tongue, other languages, such as Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi, are also significant.
3. Article 351: This provision emphasizes that while Hindi should be promoted as a unifying language, it should respect the “genius” and diversity of India’s other languages.

How Widely Is Hindi Spoken in India?

The 2011 Census revealed that Hindi is spoken by more than 52.8 crore people (43.6% of India’s population) as their first language, making it the most spoken language in the country. Additionally, nearly 14 crore people use Hindi as a second language, bringing the total number of Hindi speakers to more than half of India’s population.

While Hindi has a dominant presence in the northern and central regions, southern states generally have a lower prevalence of Hindi speakers. This regional linguistic diversity is one of the key reasons for the ongoing debate regarding Hindi’s status.

BEYOND THE NUGGET: Use of Hindi in Indian Courts

India’s legal system operates primarily in English, even though Hindi holds significant cultural and political importance. The provisions related to the use of Hindi in the courts are as follows:

1. Article 348(1): English is the mandated language for proceedings in the Supreme Court and High Courts. It also applies to the drafting of Acts, Bills, ordinances, and legal documents at the Union and State levels.
2. Article 348(2): This article allows for the use of Hindi or any other official language of the state in High Court proceedings, provided that the Governor authorizes this use, with the prior consent of the President.
3. Judgments in English: Even if a case is heard in Hindi or another state language, the judgment must still be delivered in English, ensuring consistency and clarity in the legal documentation and its accessibility to the broader legal community.
4. State-Specific Provisions: As per Section 7 of the Official Languages Act, a state Governor can authorize the use of Hindi (or any official state language) in court judgments and decrees, subject to a mandatory English translation. This provision aims to promote regional languages without undermining the necessity of English in legal matters.

The Debate on Hindi’s Role in India’s Linguistic Landscape

Hindi Day

The ongoing debate regarding Hindi’s status stems from India’s cultural and linguistic diversity. While Hindi is the most widely spoken language, many regions and states in India have their own linguistic preferences. In southern India, where languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada dominate, the push for Hindi is often met with resistance, with critics arguing that it undermines the country’s linguistic pluralism.

Hindi holds an essential place in India’s cultural and political landscape. Its promotion on global platforms, as seen through World Hindi Day and India’s diplomatic efforts, highlights the importance of the language. However, its role as a national language remains nuanced, with respect for regional languages enshrined in the Constitution.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these nuances, particularly the legal and political aspects, is crucial in navigating questions related to India’s linguistic diversity and language policy.

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