Silver Jubilee of the International Mother Language Day
- In 1948, the Government of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole national language
- India, too, witnessed a significant language movement. In 1965, as the country marked 15 years of independence, the then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri attempted to implement Hindi as the sole official language
- Both the ‘Bengali Language Movement’ and ‘India’s Anti-Hindi Agitation’ highlight the profound emotional and cultural connection people have with their mother tongues
Dr. J Ravikumar Stephen G.
The Struggle for Bengali: The Origin of International Mother Language Day
In 1948, the Government of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole national language, despite Bengali (Bangla) being the mother tongue of the majority in East and West Pakistan combined. This decision triggered widespread protests in East Pakistan, where people demanded that Bangla be recognized as one of the national languages alongside Urdu. The first formal demand was raised by Dhirendranath Datta in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on February 23, 1948.
In response, the Pakistani government imposed strict measures, banning public meetings and rallies. However, students from the University of Dhaka, backed by the general public, organized massive demonstrations. On February 21, 1952, police opened fire on protestors, killing Abdus Salam, Abul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and Shafiur Rahman, and injuring hundreds more. This tragic event stands as a rare moment in history where people sacrificed their lives for the right to speak their mother tongue.
Read: An ‘Early Mistake’ of Pakistan
Recognizing this sacrifice, UNESCO declared February 21 as ‘International Mother Language Day’ on November 17, 1999, in tribute to the Bangladeshis (then East Pakistanis) who fought for linguistic freedom. Since February 21, 2000, the day has been observed globally to promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
A Lasting Tribute: Moder Gorob
A permanent tribute to the martyrs of the “Bengali Language Movement” stands in front of the Bangla Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Known as Moder Gorob (Our Pride – see the picture), these bronze busts, immortalizes the five language martyrs— Abdus Salam, Abul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and Shafiur Rahman —who laid down their lives to defend their linguistic identity.
India’s Language Struggle: The 1965 Anti-Hindi Agitation
India, too, witnessed a significant language movement. In 1965, as the country marked 15 years of independence, the then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri attempted to implement Hindi as the sole official language. This move, supported by Madras State Chief Minister Bhaktavatsalam, sparked intense protests in Tamil Nadu, where Tamil-speaking citizens saw it as an imposition.
Students, political leaders, and the general public took to the streets in massive demonstrations. The Congress-led government responded with force, deploying police and later the military to quell the unrest. The ‘Dravida Parties” played a central role in the resistance, with many of its leaders, students, and even unaffiliated civilians choosing imprisonment over submission.
The agitation, which lasted 50 days, saw violent confrontations, attacks on Union government buildings, and severe casualties—about *400 people lost their lives* _(see the second pictures of some of the martyrs)_, and 2,000 were injured’. As the movement reached its peak, the Indian government was forced to reconsider, leading to the continued use of ‘English as an official language alongside Hindi’—a status that remains to this day.
The Power of Language Movements
Both the ‘Bengali Language Movement’ and ‘India’s Anti-Hindi Agitation’ highlight the profound emotional and cultural connection people have with their mother tongues. These struggles serve as a reminder that linguistic diversity is not just about communication—it is about identity, heritage, and the right to self-expression.
As we observe ‘International Mother Language Day’, let us honor those who fought for linguistic freedom and continue to celebrate and protect the rich diversity of languages worldwide.
Read – Bengali Language Issue: Tragic Happenings
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Dr. J Ravikumar Stephen G., is the Founder, Dravidianism Revival Centre, Peace Coalition of the People of South Asia, and Sages of the New Covenant. He is also the Presiding Bishop of General Convention of the Episcopal Churches in Southern and South Eastern Asia. The Dravidianism Revival Centre is located in Badlapur, Greater Thane Maharashtra, India.
