International Mother Language Day Celebrated

Partha Roy

International Mother language Day celebrated by Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata on 21st February 2023. “Prabhat Pheri ” was organised by Bangladesh DHC in Park Circus area to remember the Martyrs of Bengali language. Wreath were placed at “Shahid Minar” at Bangladesh Deputy High Commission premises. In evening, a lecture was organised to highlight importance of International Mother language Day and struggle of Bengali community in Pakistan since 1947 to assert their right and to establish Bengali as official language. 

President of Press Club of Kolkata Shri Snehashish Sur addressed the august gathering, emphasized importance of usage of mother language in every day life and highlighted great sacrifices of Bengali community to protect and preserve their mother language despite dialect variations. Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer S M Abraham Lincoln a ” 21st February Medal” awardee spoke on sacrifices & struggle of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman since late 1940s after establishment of Pakistan to promote Bengali as official language of Pakistan which lead to establishment of Bangladesh. 

ICCR Kolkata collaborated with Bangladesh Deputy High Commission and presented slide guitar show. US Consul General Ms. Melinda Pavek read poetry on freedom struggle. Chinese musicians gave drum performance. The French musicians performed during cultural evening at Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. Students from Bangladesh gave presented songs & music. 

Consul General of China , Consul General of France, Consul General of Japan , Consul General of Thailand and other members of diplomatic community in Kolkata attend Martyrs’Day & International Mother language Day 2023 which is also known as ” Bhasa Utsav” .