NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the progress of Hindi has meaning only when it goes hand-in-hand with the dignity, promotion and protection of all other Indian languages, emphasising that India’s linguistic diversity is a strength rather than a weakness.
In a message on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Shah described India as a land of immense linguistic diversity and cultural richness. He said the country’s many languages represent its strength and play an important role in preserving India’s heritage and unity.
‘Linguistic Diversity Is Our Strength’
Shah said every Indian language carries its own history, folk traditions and worldview, contributing to the values and outlook of younger generations.
He stressed that linguistic diversity strengthens India’s cherished principle of “unity in diversity”, adding that a language is much more than a means of communication.
According to Shah, language represents the memory and self-awareness of a society, connecting generations with their history, culture and traditions.
Hindi as a Link Between Communities
The Home Minister highlighted Hindi’s role in connecting different sections of Indian society, describing it as a language of dialogue, coordination and social bonding.
However, he underlined that Hindi’s advancement should never come at the expense of other Indian languages.
“The progress of Hindi is only purposeful when it moves forward while ensuring the dignity, promotion and protection of other Indian languages,” Shah said.
He added that Hindi should not be seen as representing any single language, but as an important link between India’s diverse languages and national unity.
‘My Mother Tongue Is Gujarati’
Referring to his own linguistic background, Shah said his mother tongue is Gujarati, but Hindi allows him to communicate directly with people across different parts of the country.
He urged young Indians to learn from the wider world while remaining connected to their own languages and cultural roots.
Appeal to Parents and Youth
Shah appealed to parents to speak with their children in their mother tongue, stressing that language keeps people connected to their family, homeland, history and culture.
He also encouraged the youth to embrace global knowledge without abandoning their linguistic and cultural identity.
Why Hindi Diwas Is Observed
Hindi Diwas is observed every year on September 14 to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as an official language by the Constituent Assembly on September 14, 1949.
Shah’s message on Hindi Diwas placed emphasis on a broader vision of linguistic harmony—promoting Hindi while simultaneously preserving and strengthening India’s rich tapestry of regional and indigenous languages.
