Adopt Hindi with pride: Govt calls for wider use of official language

The Delhi Government has directed all departments and subordinate local bodies to celebrate “Hindi Diwas” on September 14 with full enthusiasm and promote the official language across all levels of government work.

A circular issued by the Department of Art, Culture and Language emphasised that Hindi, being the first official language of Delhi under the Delhi Official Language Act, 2000, must be used for all government tasks directly related to the public. To encourage this, departments have been asked to organise events marking Hindi Day, Hindi Week and Hindi Fortnight, and motivate officers and staff to work more extensively in Hindi.

In a message circulated along with the directive, the Delhi Chief Secretary highlighted the cultural, historical and constitutional importance of Hindi. “Hindi is the most effective medium of national unity and identity, and serves as a strong link in the country’s cultural and civilisational continuity,” the message stated. Citing Mahatma Gandhi and Bharatendu Harishchandra, the Chief Secretary called upon officials to lead by example and adopt Hindi in day-to-day work.

The message further pointed out that major developed nations conduct their government work in native languages, and India must follow the same path to ensure transparency and better public outreach. “Using simple, colloquial Hindi in official communication — whether in noting, correspondence, press releases, or e-mails — will help establish stronger connections with the public,” it added.

To facilitate this, departments have been asked to utilise motivational quotes attached with the circular and make Hindi events meaningful and widely participatory. Special emphasis will be laid on ensuring that the celebration of Hindi Diwas aligns with the Official Languages Act and annual language implementation programmes.

The Delhi Government reiterated that promoting Hindi in official work was not only a constitutional duty but also a step towards inclusive governance. The circular concluded with an appeal to all administrative heads to take personal initiative and lead their teams in embracing Hindi with “enthusiasm, dedication and pride”.