National, Feb 21: International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21 each year to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to encourage multilingualism across communities.
The observance was first proclaimed by UNESCO on November 17, 1999, and later formally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 56/262 in 2002. Since February 21, 2000, the day has been marked annually around the world.
Origins in the 1952 Language Movement
The idea for International Mother Language Day originated in Bangladesh, in tribute to the historic Language Movement of 1952. On February 21 that year, students and activists in then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) sacrificed their lives while demanding recognition of Bengali as one of the state languages of Pakistan.
When Pakistan was created in 1947, it consisted of two geographically and culturally distinct regions — East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan), separated by Indian territory. Although the majority of the population spoke Bengali in East Pakistan, the government declared Urdu as the sole state language. The move triggered widespread protests that culminated in the Language Movement. In recognition of this struggle to preserve linguistic identity, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day.
Observance in India and Beyond
The day is widely observed by Bengali-speaking communities in Indian states such as West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand and Tripura, as well as in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
International Mother Language Day forms part of a broader United Nations effort to preserve and protect all languages used by people worldwide. It reinforces the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, promoting inclusive education and fostering linguistic diversity as essential elements in building mutual respect and understanding across societies.
