International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is observed annually on February 21 since 2000 as a worldwide observance of UNESCO (United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). The day creates an awareness on linguistic, cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism and in India the day is observed as ‘Matribhasha Diwas’.
Theme of IMLD for the year 2020 : “Languages without Border”.
Fact:
i.The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day (IMLD) came from Bangladesh & the day remembers where the Bangladeshis fought for recognition of the Bangla language.
ii.At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered.
MHRD celebrated ‘Matribhasha Diwas’ on feb 21, 2020
The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) celebrated “Matribhasha Diwas” on february 21, 2020 across the country. Vice President Shri M Venkaih Naidu was the chief guest of the function held in New Delhi, India,
Theme for the year 2020 : “Celebrating our Multilingual Heritage”.
The theme reflects the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Key Points:
i.The following objectives to promote the use of mother languages are:
- Highlight the linguistic diversity of our country.
- Encourage the usage & learning of languages, not only of the respective mother tongue but also other Indian languages.
ii.MHRD along with educational & language institutions has been celebrating the Matribhasha Diwas for the past 3 years.
iii.To mark the importance of the day the educational institutions will organise activities like elocution, essay writing, singing, painting competitions, exhibitions etc.,
iv.Union HRD (Human Resource Development) Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of Culture & Tourism and HRD Minister Sanjay Dhotre were presented on the occasion.
