The city of Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant celebrations, came alive on Mother Language Day this February. This day holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, whether in Bangladesh or West Bengal, as they pay tribute to language martyrs who fought for linguistic rights.
One of the prominent institutions in Kolkata observing this day is the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, situated in the largest complex in the city. The event at the Deputy High Commission was marked by a subdued presence, with the national flag of Bangladesh hoisted in the courtyard and officials offering floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar.
However, a noticeable absence was felt in front of the Bangladesh Library and Information Center on Sohorawardy Avenue, where the annual morning procession was missing this year. The celebration at the Deputy High Commission was brief due to current circumstances and security concerns.
### International Mother Language Day Celebrations at Visva-Bharati University
On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, celebrations took place at Visva-Bharati University in the Bangladesh Bhavan. The center was inaugurated with a floral tribute at the Shaheed Bedi, where dignitaries, including Vice-Chancellor Vinay Kumar Shoren, Professor Manabendra Mukhopadhyay, and senior communication officer Atiq Ghosh, paid their respects. Students from Bangladesh studying in India also participated in the event, although the evening program was canceled.
Professor Manabendra Mukhopadhyay emphasized the importance of students from Bangladesh actively engaging in such events, highlighting the significance of International Mother Language Day as a global celebration of linguistic diversity. While events at Visva-Bharati University and the Bangladesh Bhavan were subdued, they carried on the tradition of honoring mother languages.
### Unique Celebrations at Rabindra Sadan
Alongside these formal events, the Language and Consciousness Committee of Kolkata organized a 48-hour event at Rabindra Sadan to celebrate language and culture. The organizers, known for their elaborate celebrations, hosted an all-night program at the venue, culminating in a morning conclusion on Friday.
Adjacent to Rabindra Sadan, the Kolkata Corporation unveiled the newly constructed Language Martyrs Memorial, a unique structure that symbolizes the sacrifice for language. The statue, sculpted by artist Jogen Chowdhury at the behest of Mayor Firhad Hakim, was unveiled in the morning with the presence of city officials.
Mayor Firhad Hakim expressed the sentiment that Bengalis are fighters, and Mother Language Day is a testament to their spirit. He acknowledged the youth from Assam who have sacrificed their lives for the Bengali language, emphasizing the day’s symbolic significance.
In addition to these celebrations, the no-man’s-land at the Petrapole-Benapole border observed a joint celebration of Mother Language Day by both countries. However, this year, each country celebrated separately, with local panchayats and committees organizing events in the region.
Over the past two years, the Indo Bangla Press Club in Kolkata has been at the forefront of innovative celebrations for Mother Language Day. They had previously organized blood donation camps and free health check-ups alongside temporary Shaheed Bedis. This year, however, these events were put on hold.
In the afternoon, the state government of West Bengal will host an event at the popular park in Kolkata, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several ministers and legislators in attendance. The festivities will be a fitting end to a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity and honoring the sacrifices of language martyrs.
As the clock strikes 1538 hours on February 21, 2025, the celebrations in Bangladesh and West Bengal draw to a close, leaving behind a sense of pride and unity in commemorating Mother Language Day.
