Why in News? 

International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on February 21. 

• Origins & Recognition: 
• Originated in Bangladesh, inspired by the 1952 Language Movement advocating for Bengali as an official language. 
• In 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism. 
• The United Nations endorsed it in 2002, and in 2007, urged global efforts to protect all languages. 

 Theme: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day 

Why is it important? 

• Preserves Culture & Identity: Protects native languages, traditions, and indigenous knowledge. 
• Boosts Education: Encourages mother tongue-based learning, improving student outcomes. 
• Promotes Inclusion: Fosters respect for cultural diversity and strengthens social unity. 
• Bridges the Digital Gap: Supports the representation of more languages in digital platforms and AI tools.