International Mother Language Day is heralded and talked about as it is observed on 21 February. Mother Language is the language that initially shapes an individual’s career, and is one of the first introduced languages to a child. The fondness for the language remains even as we grow as individuals, and imbibe more life learnings. Today, we have actor Sachin Parikh talking about the language that is imbibed in him as having given him the fondest of memories.
Sachin Parikh, who essays the role of Prabhat in Zee TV’s Vasudha, says on the occasion “Gujarati is the language of my fondest memories—the joyous beats of Garba, the affectionate scoldings from my grandmother, the lively family conversations. I remember visiting my ancestral home as a child, where everyone spoke fluent Gujarati, and I was fascinated by the warmth the language carried.”
The language and its appeal linger on for him. “Even now, whenever I hear someone speaking Gujarati, it immediately takes me back to those carefree childhood days. Gujarati hovanu Gaurav chhe mane ane maan chhe mari matrubhasha par… Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat! This International Mother Language Day, let’s all take a moment to speak, celebrate, and cherish the language that shaped us.”
India’s diversity when it comes to culture and its strength in being called a land with different cultures, is always hailed. Let’s make this collective effort and encourage people to respect and speak multiple languages, including the mother tongue.
