The Power of Mother-Language: Celebrating February 21 | Manas Mukul Bandyopadhyay & Gouri Sankar Nag

February 21st is a significant day in world history – a day of oath, struggle, and recognition for all language lovers. Currently, February 21 is recognized as ‘International Mother Language Day’. This day is a tribute to everyone’s respect and love for their mother-language and a promise to protect the dignity of the mother-language. Notably, on November 17, 1999, a UNESCO Session (a specialized agency of the UNO) in Paris (France) proposed this idea, and 188 countries supported it. As a result, February 21st was declared ‘International Mother Language Day’. Since 2000, this day has been celebrated with due dignity by UN member-states.

Thus, ‘International Mother Language Day’ is a global observance that takes place annually on February 21st. The day is dedicated to promoting linguistic diversity, preserving mother-languages, and recognizing the importance of language in shaping identity, culture, and society. Likewise, the mother-language is the foundation of a person’s identity, culture, and heritage. It is the language of emotions, thoughts, and expressions. Preserving and promoting one’s mother-language is crucial for maintaining cultural diversity, fostering creativity, and ensuring effective communication. Simultaneously, it also plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s worldview, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.

At the outset, it is absolutely essential to shed some light on the history of the ‘International Mother Language Movement’. The origins of ‘International Mother Language Day’ date back to 1952, when students in Bangladesh (Then East Pakistan) protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language in the country. The students demanded recognition of Bengali, their mother-language, as an official language. The protests turned violent, and several students were killed. On February 21st, 1952, a memorable event took place in Dhaka, the capital of erstwhile East Pakistan. On this day, Barkat, Rafiq, Salam, Jabbar, Shafiur Rahman, and many others sacrificed their lives in police firing to protect the dignity of their mother-language, Bengali. This unprecedented example of sacrificing lives for the mother-language stunned and amazed people worldwide. This event became known as the Mother-Language Movement.

However, the sacrifice of these language martyrs was not in vain. The inspiration of the blood-stained February 21st spread among the people of East Pakistan, leading to a massive language movement. In 1956, Bengali (mother-language) was recognized as one of the state languages of the (then) Pakistan. Ultimately, the independent and sovereign nation of Bangladesh was established, founde on the Bengali language.

In this context, it can be said that the history of this mother-language movement is hidden in a more distant past, which would not be out of the track to discuss here. In 1947, British India gained independence and was divided into two separate countries: India and Pakistan. Pakistan comprised two geographically separate areas: East Pakistan and West Pakistan. East Pakistan consisted of 62% of the eastern part of undivided India, while West Pakistan comprised the western part of Punjab, Sind, and Baluchistan. Although West Pakistan was larger in terms of area, East Pakistan had a higher population, with 98% of its people being Bengali-speaking.

Even before the partition, scholars like Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah advocated for Bengali to be the state language of Pakistan. Similarly, the Bengal Provincial Muslim League made the same demand in 1946. This emphasis on Bengali as the state language was significant, given the demographic makeup of East Pakistan.

But in reality, that did not happen. Although Bengali was the predominant language in East Pakistan, the Urdu-speaking rulers of West Pakistan attempted to impose Urdu, instead of Bengali, upon the East Pakistani people, as the sole national language. Thus, the Pakistani rulers sought to maintain a kind of cultural domination through language, a pervasive and insidious form of oppression harming linguistic diversity, cultural preservation, and social justice. This led to widespread protests from students, teachers, and intellectuals in East Pakistan, who demanded recognition of Bengali as a national language.

In response to the government’s decision, the ‘Rastrabhasha Sangram Parishad’ (State Language Action Committee) was formed in January 1948. The committee’s primary demand was that Bengali be recognized as a national language, alongside Urdu. Despite ongoing protests and negotiations, the government refused to budge. In 1950, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan announced that Urdu would be the sole national language of Pakistan, instead of Bengali. As a result, the movement intensified, culminating in its final form in February, 1952. This was triggered by the Pakistan Government’s declaration on January 30, 1952, that Urdu, not Bengali, would be the state language.

Following the declaration, the people of East Pakistan launched a massive movement. Protests and strikes erupted across the region. The All-Party State Language Action Committee declared February 21st as State Language Day, and a general strike was called in all educational institutions. A protest meeting was organized at the University of Dhaka.

Despite a ban on gatherings imposed by the government the previous day, students defied the restrictions and held a protest procession. The police responded with batons and tear gas, but the students persisted. Eventually, the police opened fire killing several students, including Barkat, Rafiq, Salam, Jabbar, and Shafiur Rahman etc.

In memory of this rare example of a language movement and self-sacrifice, in 1999, UNESCO recognized the significance of the language movement, and declared February 21st as ‘International Mother Language Day’ as mentioned above. The day has since been celebrated globally, with various events, ceremonies, and activities promoting linguistic diversity and multilingualism.

Of course, there are several perspectives on ‘International Mother Language Day’, which are discussed one by one below.

‘International Mother Language Day’ is not just a celebration of languages; it is also a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting diversity. Here are some perspectives on International Mother Language Day –-

1. Linguistic Diversity -– ‘International Mother Language Day’ highlights the importance of linguistic diversity in a world where many languages are at risk of disappearing. According to UNESCO, over 40% of languages are at risk of falling out of use and disappearing. ‘International Mother Language Day’ encourages efforts to document, preserve, and promote endangered languages.

2. Cultural Identity –- Language is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity. ‘International Mother Language Day’ recognizes the importance of mother-languages in shaping individual and collective identities. By promoting mother-languages, ‘International Mother Language Day’ encourages communities to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions.

3. Multilingualism -– ‘International Mother Language Day’ promotes multilingualism as a key aspect of linguistic diversity. Multilingualism enables individuals to communicate across linguistic and cultural boundaries, fostering greater understanding, tolerance, and cooperation.

4. Education and Language Rights -– ‘International Mother Language Day’ emphasizes the importance of education in promoting language rights. The day highlights the need for education systems to recognize and support linguistic diversity, ensuring that students have access to education in their mother-languages. Once, the world-poet Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘Mother-Language is like mother’s milk in education. Just as mother’s milk is nutritious for a child, mother-language is the best medium in the field of education.’ Another notable writer and singer, Ramnidhi Gupta, popularly known as Nidhubabu, can be mentioned here. He said, ‘Without one’s own mother-tongue, what is the point of having various languages from different countries?’

5. Global Citizenship -– ‘International Mother Language Day’ promotes global citizenship by recognizing the shared human experience of language. The day encourages individuals to appreciate the diversity of languages and cultures, fostering a sense of global belonging and responsibility.

The initiative taken by UNESCO to observe 21st February as ‘International Mother Language Day’ is undoubtedly praiseworthy. For every person in every country, their mother language is a matter of utmost respect. Mother-language is the true medium of self-expression. Tolerating the humiliation of one’s mother language is equivalent to self-degradation. It is the responsibility of every person in every country to protect the dignity of their own language.

Observing a historic day like 21st February as ‘International Mother Language Day’ involves a noble effort to make every person responsible towards their mother-language. There is a growing enthusiasm in different parts of the world to observe 21st February as ‘International Mother Language Day’. However, it is essential to ensure that this day does not become just another ritual. Paying mere formal respects is not enough to commemorate this day. We will truly honour this day only when we all work tirelessly to promote and develop our respective mother languages. Unfortunately, in some places, mother-languages are still neglected. ‘International Mother Language Day’ is an opportunity to overcome this neglect. This day is a sacred occasion to take a vow to establish the glory of mother-languages.

Finally, it is worth noting that the country where this unyielding mother-language movement originated, i.e. Bangladesh, is currently navigating a complex web of political turmoil. The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after anti-government protests has created a power vacuum, exposing deep fractures in the country’s politics, economy, and security situation. In this context, ‘International Mother Language Day’ (21st February) celebrations might take on a different tone. While the day is typically marked with festivities and tributes to the language martyrs, the ongoing political uncertainty might overshadow the celebrations. Nevertheless, the spirit of this 21st February remains a powerful symbol of Bangladesh’s struggle for identity and self-expression.

(Authors: Dr. Manas Mukul Bandyopadhyay, Associate Professor& Head, Political Science (Retd. WBES), Chandernagore Govt. College Chandernagore, Hooghly, West Bengal; ; Dr. Gouri Sankar Nag, Professor & Head, Department of Political Science, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal)