Written By Sadhna Singh (Grade 9)
A great man once said, “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.”
Take the example of our mother tongue Hindi.
Hindi has been derived from the Devanagari script. The origins of Hindi can be traced to the ancient Indo-Aryan languages, the earliest influence of which was Sanskrit. Over time, it evolved through the Prakrit language and eventually emerged as early forms of Hindi during the 7th to 10th centuries. This period marked the beginning of the transformation of Hindi as a distinct language, with significant contributions from regional dialects such as Braj, Awadhi and Maithili.
During the medieval period, Mughal influence incorporated Persian and Arabic words into Hindi, enriching its vocabulary and giving rise to a more sophisticated language. During this period, Bhakti and Sufi poets also flourished, who used Hindi to connect with the public. The works of poets like Kabir, Tulsidas and Mirabai made Hindi important.
This era was an important phase where Hindi was not just a language but a tool for social change. The rise of the Hindi press with newspapers and magazines further strengthened its role in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among India’s diverse population.
During India’s struggle for independence, Hindi played an important role in uniting different communities against British rule. As a widely spoken language, it became a medium for nationalist discourse, connecting people from different regions. Freedom fighters and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Subhash Chandra Bose used Hindi in speeches, pamphlets and newspapers to unite the masses. Hindi literature and patriotic songs like Saare Jahan Se Achha instilled a sense of pride among Indians and promoted unity. Language played an important role in spreading the ideas of independence and self-reliance and contributed significantly to the momentum of the national movement.
Thus, Hindi is not just a language but a reflection of Indian civilization, which has given direction to the country through history, literature and social movements. Even today, Hindi is a symbol of our cultural heritage and national unity, connecting generations and empowering India’s unity in diversity. The journey of development of Hindi is not only its story but also a proof of the cultural and social progress of its speakers. It has inspired Indian society at every turn, from the freedom struggle to the modern era, and it still deeply defines our identity.
In the end I would only say this:
सौत विदेशी रहे न रानी (Rani, the step-in-law is a foreigner.)
यही भावना हिंदी है, ( This feeling is Hindi)
तत्सम, तद्भव, देशी, विदेशी (similar, similar, native, foreign)
सब रंगों को अपनाती (embraces all colours as you like)
जैसे आप बोलना चाहें (Speak as you wish)
वही मधुर, वह मन भाती (that sweet, that pleasing)
जय हिंद! जय भारत! (Jai Hind! Victory to India!)
Featured Image Courtesy – Hindustan
