Gujarat CM Felicitates Writers, Calls for Preservation of Mother Tongue

• Bilkul Online
• Gandhinagar | 21 Feb 2026

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised the importance of honouring one’s mother tongue while respecting other languages, describing it as a true reflection of Indian culture. He was speaking at a state-level literary event organised on the eve of International Mother Language Day.

Addressing the Mother Language Festival hosted by the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi, the Chief Minister said that pride in one’s mother tongue, coupled with respect for other languages, embodies the essence of the country’s cultural values.

Highlighting the deeper meaning of language, he remarked that a mother tongue represents the complete journey of knowledge — from “A” to “Gya” — and carries the emotional depth and sensitivity of the heart. He stressed that preserving language and culture and passing them on to future generations is the need of the hour.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that nothing compares to one’s mother, motherland and mother tongue, Patel said that anyone who takes pride in their mother tongue is worthy of admiration.

At the event, the Sahitya Gaurav Award for 2024 in Gujarati was presented to Praveen Darji, while Mavji Maheshwari received the honour for Kutchi. Under the Yuva Gaurav Awards, Ajay Soni was recognised for Gujarati literature and Dipak Nanda for Kutchi literature.

Describing the mother tongue as a symbol of collective identity and self-respect, the Chief Minister said that initiatives such as ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ and heritage revival efforts have strengthened this sense of pride among citizens.

He further noted that language, culture and knowledge traditions hold a significant place in the vision of Developed India 2047. He called upon writers, artists and language enthusiasts to actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of their mother tongues while working towards the goal of a Developed Gujarat within a Developed India.

Folk singer Kirtidan Gadhvi said that artists from across the state were honoured in the presence of the Chief Minister, adding that the event inspired young writers and artists to pursue literature with renewed enthusiasm.

The programme was attended by Minister of State for Sports, Youth Services and Cultural Activities Jayram Gamit, Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Chairman Bhagyash Jha, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department Secretary Rahul Gupta, noted litterateur Madhav Ramanuj, musicians Shyamal-Saumil Munshi and Aarti Munshi, litterateur Tushar Shukla, along with numerous writers and language enthusiasts.

During the event, the Akademi also released 51 books simultaneously.