New York, USA: The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations marked the 75th anniversary of Hindi Diwas on November 22, 2024, celebrating the adoption of Hindi as an official language of India on September 14, 1949.

The event saw participation from a diverse audience, including Permanent Representatives (PRs) and Deputy PRs from over 40 countries, senior UN officials, scholars, members of the Indian diaspora, and winners of competitions held in conjunction with the celebrations.

A delegation of Indian Members of Parliament—Birendra Prasad Baishya, Pradan Baruah, Sushmita Dev, Akshay Yadav, Sandhya Ray, Tejasvi Surya, and Bansuri Swaraj—was present at the event.

MP Birendra Prasad Baishya emphasized the growing international significance of Hindi, stating, “Hindi is expanding rapidly in the 21st century across various parts of the world.” He highlighted Hindi’s inclusion in the United Nations' Multilingualism Resolution in September 2024 as a key milestone, showcasing its importance in global diplomacy.

Ambassador P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, described Hindi as a "bridge language," underscoring its role in uniting India’s diverse cultural and linguistic communities.

Representatives from several countries also acknowledged Hindi's global impact. The Permanent Representative of Mauritius highlighted its role in preserving culture, tradition, and identity, while Nepal's Permanent Representative noted Hindi's linguistic connection with Nepali and its widespread use in Nepal. Guyana’s Deputy PR spoke about Hindi’s cultural significance in her country, and the Charge d’Affaires of Suriname shared its integration into the Surinamese school system.

The Director of Global Communications at the UN commended India for promoting Hindi through initiatives like the Hindi Project at the United Nations.

To further the celebrations, the Mission hosted Hindi essay writing, poetry, and recital competitions, recognizing the winners during the event.