2025 - Official Language Department | Commemorative Coin
The 12th commemorative coin of 2025 was released to mark the Golden Year Celebration of Official Language Department.
The year marks a significant milestone in the journey of the Official Language Department as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee — fifty years of unwavering commitment to promoting and implementing Hindi as the official language of the Union. This celebration is not just about the passage of time but a tribute to the enduring spirit, cultural legacy, and administrative vision that have guided the department since its inception.
Established to fulfill the constitutional directives enshrined in Articles 343 to 351, the department has worked tirelessly to make Hindi a functional and accessible medium for governance while respecting the linguistic diversity of the nation. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in ensuring that language serves as a bridge rather than a barrier in the administrative and social framework of the country. It has contributed significantly to the implementation of the Official Language Act of 1963 and provided the necessary direction through the Annual Programme to ensure the progressive use of Hindi across central government departments, public sector undertakings, and institutions.
The past fifty years have witnessed a broad range of initiatives aimed at making Hindi a part of everyday official functioning. From the introduction of structured language training programs like Prabodh, Praveen, and Pragya for government employees, to the development of Hindi-enabled digital tools and translation memory software, the department has adapted to changing times with technological foresight. Through the publication of Rajbhasha Bharati and similar platforms, it has also provided intellectual and literary space to reflect on and promote the richness of Hindi. Further, through the institution of Rajbhasha Awards and recognition schemes, it has encouraged departments and individuals to take pride in using Hindi in their official work.
The Golden Jubilee is being observed with year-long commemorative events that bring together scholars, policymakers, and civil servants. These include national conferences on language policy, exhibitions showcasing historical documents and achievements, and interactive programs designed to engage the youth with the legacy and future of the Hindi language. A special commemorative volume is also being released to document the department’s journey, featuring contributions from those who played a vital role in its growth.
The celebration of this golden year is more than a symbolic gesture. It reminds us of the department’s consistent efforts in upholding the linguistic unity of India while fostering respect for its diversity. Hindi, as promoted by the department, has never been imposed but encouraged — as a means to enhance administrative reach and cultural integration. Its approach has been one of inclusivity, seeking to elevate the status of Hindi while ensuring that the fabric of multilingual India remains intact and respected.
As the department steps into the next chapter, its responsibilities and relevance only grow stronger. In an era marked by digital governance and artificial intelligence, making official communication linguistically inclusive and technologically adaptive becomes essential. The department’s golden journey is a testament to its evolving role in shaping a linguistically empowered and unified India.
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