Hindi Day
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | September 14, 1988 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 60 p |
| Quantity | 1500000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1179 Stamp Number IN 1240 Yvert et Tellier IN 990 Stanley Gibbons IN 1329 |
| Themes | Maps | Stylized Plants | |
Hindi Day: Celebrating India’s Official Language
Background:
- Post-Independence Context: Upon gaining independence in 1947, India sought an alternative to English as the Official Language and as a medium for education to foster emotional integration within the nation.
- Constitutional Adoption: After extensive deliberation, the Constituent Assembly decided on 14th September 1949 to adopt Hindi in the Devanagari script as the Official Language of the Union.
Implementation:
- Constitutional Provision: When the Indian Constitution came into force on 26th January 1950, Article 343 (i) formalized Hindi’s status as the Official Language.
- State Language Adoption: Article 345 allowed States to adopt any one or more of the languages in use or Hindi as their Official Language.
Official Language Act of 1963:
- Protection of Non-Hindi Speakers: This Act ensured that non-Hindi speaking States could continue to correspond with the Central Government in English until they chose to adopt Hindi.
- State Adoption: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab have adopted Hindi for correspondence with the Centre under these provisions.
- Recruitment and Correspondence: Central Government offices maintain English correspondence with non-Hindi speaking States and their residents, safeguarding non-Hindi speakers’ interests in recruitment to services under the Centre.
Development of Hindi:
- Cultural Integration: The Government of India is committed to developing Hindi to express all elements of the composite culture of India.
- Linguistic Evolution: Hindi has been evolving by adopting forms, styles, and expressions from regional languages and Sanskrit, shaping itself into a truly national language.
Technological Advancements:
- Modern Usage: Efforts are underway to enhance the use of Hindi in computers and other modern equipment, promoting its spread and development.
Commemoration:
- Hindi Day: Celebrated on 14th September each year to honor the adoption of Hindi as the Official Language of India.
- Postage Stamp Issuance: The Department of Posts has issued a postage stamp to commemorate Hindi Day, reflecting the hope that Hindi will continue to serve its historic role as the Official Language and link language of India, in cooperation with other regional languages.
Conclusion
Hindi Day not only celebrates the adoption of Hindi as the Official Language but also emphasizes its ongoing development and integration with India’s diverse linguistic heritage. The efforts to promote Hindi in modern technology and its evolving linguistic framework highlight its significance in unifying the nation.
Source:
Department of Posts, Government of India.