Important DaysSaturday, 21 February 2026·The Hindu
International Mother Language Day Observed (21 February)
International Mother Language Day was observed on 21 February to promote linguistic diversity and protect mother tongues.
Key highlights
Direct fact
International Mother Language Day is observed on 21 February, declared by UNESCO to commemorate the 1952 Bengali Language Movement.
Key specifics
- Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999; observed since 2000.
- Commemorates students killed on 21 February 1952 in Dhaka defending the Bengali language.
- Promotes linguistic diversity and multilingual education.
- India recognises 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Exam lens
Important Days: 21 Feb, UNESCO; rooted in the 1952 Bengali Language Movement (Dhaka).