International Mother Language Day

Every year, during the month of February, of the 21^st century Bengali’s all around the world amongst themselves come together and celebrate the Bangla Language Movement; in honor of all the brave soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Bangladesh from Pakistan.

Now you’re probably wondering with all these historical turning points, why does it matter to us in America?  Well, International Mother Language Day is a public holiday in Bangladesh, where it is also known as Shohid Dibosh, or Shaheed Day. It is indeed also a global observance, but not really a public holiday in other parts of the world, but more of a cultural remembrance.

On International Mother Language Day the UN agencies participate in events that promote linguistic and cultural diversity. They also encourage people to maintain their knowledge of their mother language while learning and using more than one language. Governments and non-governmental organizations also use the day to announce regulations to encourage language learning and support.

 On this day, also known as World Mother Language Day many people celebrate the remembrance of the year 1952 through various ways of commemoration. For this exact day about 60 years ago is the very reason we speak and interact with Bangla today. A few months ago on behalf of Ekushey February various Bengali associations around the Greater Washington metro area came together and produced a phenomenal program revolving around the historical traditions, customs and context left from the courageous soldiers and freedom fighters/leaders for us to cherish, share and pass down from generation to another.

It started off with the opportunity for the audience, performers and others to set foot on the stage, barefoot towards the remake of the Shohid Minar to set flowers on it as respect and remembrance for the freedom fighters who had fought in for the country. Then there were various types of performances ranging from dancing, singing and poetry all relating to the emotions of Ekushey February. For each were unique and thoughtful to fulfill the full heritage of Bangladesh and the struggle it took to get there. Finally the show ended with a Music skits (Giti Alekkho), a type of short play mixed with artistic performances, which was dedicated to a few bhasha shoiniks known to our Bengali community as a kind of remembrance to them along with many others who had also sacrificed their lives for a mother language they believed they had the right to have.

The show truly left an imprint to the meaning of Ekushey February and why it is so significant to the entire language and ethics of Bangladesh. That influential program like these shapes up today’s Bengali culture and community. Which impact the minds of Bengali youths to carry on with themselves and share with others their Bengali legacy that they have learned and experienced. All in one the program was a great success both a commemoration and a merriment.

All the beautiful performances truly portrayed the spirit of Bengali and shared the story behind Ekusher February. These types of cultural events are crucial to preserving our Bengali heritage. They teach about our history and traditions so that the Bengali youth, like myself, can understand where we come from. Without such events our traditions would not be passed along and our wonderful language, along with its associated culture, could be forgotten. Finally, even though we live in America, we still need to know our ancestry and our past; otherwise we lose a huge part of our identities. 

Wherever people may be on this patriotic day, it is a time to celebrate Bangladesh’s culture and the Bengali language. And being a Bangladeshi American myself, I truly encourage everyone to take a moment of their lives and truly enhance their knowledge of their culture and where they come from. Likewise to take a stand and celebrate such a day, that just like anything else in life, comes only once a year. 

Any questions,comments, or concerns? You can reach me at ss.delwar@gmail.com