"A nation that loses its language, loses its soul."
To honour the birth anniversary of the great Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramanya Bharati, the Ministry of Education organised Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2024 at the National Bal Bhawan on 11th December 2024. Students of The Indian School-Second Shift, class VII got the opportunity to attend the event. The event celebrated India’s diverse linguistic heritage and aimed to promote awareness about the preservation of regional languages and cultures.
The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a devotional song paying tribute to Subramanya Bharati. Senior MoE officials welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. Chief guests, Dr Sukanta Mazumdar and Shri Jayant Choudhary, delivered their addresses highlighting the significance of preserving India's linguistic and cultural identity. Dr Mazumdar emphasised, “Our mother tongue is the language of our soul. It shapes our thoughts, emotions, and identity”.
The cultural extravaganza showcased the richness of India’s traditions through a variety of captivating performances:
Classical and folk dance performances included Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Bihu, and Garba, reflecting the diversity of Indian culture. The music performances included the singing of patriotic songs and regional folk melodies in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Punjabi by students, paying tribute to India’s linguistic unity. Skits and street plays ( nukkad natak) addressed social issues. Enactments from Subramanya Bharati's life drew loud applause. Students also presented group songs, including Bharati's iconic compositions, inspiring the audience with messages of courage and unity. A poster making competition engaged students from various schools on themes like “Unity in Diversity” and “Preservation of Mother Tongue". Their creative artworks were displayed for visitors.
Language stalls representing the different Indian languages were a major attraction. They featured books, cultural artefacts, traditional crafts, and even native delicacies. Visitors enjoyed interactive sessions learning common phrases in various languages, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The chief guests encouraged the participants to take pride in their native languages while also respecting others’ languages and cultures. They stressed that linguistic diversity strengthens national unity and identity. Dr Mazumdar concluded by quoting Subramanya Bharati, “The greatness of a nation is reflected in its cultural and linguistic richness”.
The Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2024 ended on a high note with a vote of thanks and the national anthem. The event successfully inspired attendees to value and preserve India’s cultural and linguistic heritage. It reminded everyone that language is more than communication—it is the essence of culture, history, and identity.
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