The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Hindi Diwas on November 22, 2024. The occasion honored the adoption of Hindi as one of India’s official languages, a designation it received on September 14, 1949.
The event brought together a distinguished delegation of Indian Members of Parliament, including Birendra Prasad Baishya, Pradan Baruah, Sushmita Dev, Akshay Yadav, Sandhya Ray, Tejasvi Surya, and Bansuri Swaraj. It was attended by representatives from over 40 countries, senior UN officials, academics, members of the Indian diaspora, and participants who had won awards in various competitions organized for the celebration.
During his speech, Member of Parliament Birendra Prasad Baishya underscored Hindi’s expanding global influence. “Hindi is growing at a rapid pace in the 21st century in different parts of the world,” he stated. He also highlighted the increasing relevance of the language in international diplomacy and expressed pride in its inclusion in the United Nations’ Multilingualism Resolution in September 2024.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, elaborated on the significance of Hindi within India’s diverse cultural fabric. He referred to Hindi as a “bridge language” that fosters national integration in the context of India’s multicultural and multilingual society.
The event also included reflections from international dignitaries who acknowledged Hindi’s global contributions. The Permanent Representative of Mauritius described Hindi as essential for maintaining cultural heritage, traditions, and identity. Similarly, the Permanent Representative of Nepal emphasized the linguistic bond between Hindi and Nepali, noting that Hindi is widely spoken and understood in Nepal. The Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana highlighted Hindi’s cultural resonance in her country, while the Charge d’Affaires of Suriname pointed out that Hindi is part of Suriname’s school curriculum, reinforcing its cultural significance there.
The Director of Global Communications at the United Nations lauded India’s initiatives to promote Hindi on the global stage, particularly the establishment of the Hindi Project at the UN.
To mark the occasion, the Indian Mission held competitions in Hindi essay writing, poetry, and recital. Winners of these events were honored during the celebration, adding an engaging and creative dimension to the festivities.
This Diamond Jubilee event highlighted Hindi’s expanding role on the international stage while celebrating its cultural, diplomatic, and educational significance across the globe.
