Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address the inaugural session of Hindi Diwas 2026 and the Sixth All India Official Language Conference in Mumbai on Monday, 14 September 2026. The two-day event, organised by the Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is being held in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of strengthening Hindi's role in national governance and public life.

Key Dignitaries and Attendees

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, several Members of Parliament, scholars, litterateurs, educationists, and senior officials from various Central government ministries and departments are expected to attend the conference. The gathering reflects a broad cross-section of the official language ecosystem — from administrative machinery to academic and cultural voices.

Awards and Honours

During the inaugural session, Home Minister Shah will present the 'Rajbhasha Gaurav' and 'Rajbhasha Kirti' Awards for the year 2025–26. These awards recognise institutions and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion and implementation of Hindi as India's Official Language. The MHA has been conferring these honours annually as part of its broader Official Language outreach.

Publications and Special Sessions

Several books and publications are set to be launched during the conference. These include a special commemorative issue of the Department's journal 'Rajbhasha Bharati' centred on the National Song 'Vande Mataram', as well as volumes titled 'Bharatiya Gyan Tantra: Srot aur Swaroop', 'Shiv Anadi Hain, Anant Hain', and 'Andheron Se Ujalon Tak' — a compilation of writings by prison inmates. A dedicated discussion session on 'Vande Mataram' has been designated a special attraction this year.

A notable presence at the conference will be Joydeep Chattopadhyay, a fifth-generation descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of 'Vande Mataram'. A separate session will also focus on the role of Town Official Language Implementation Committees (TOLICs/NARAKAS), described officially as a 'strong and empowered unit' that drives Hindi implementation at the grassroots level.

Background and Context

The All India Official Language Conference has been held annually since 2021, serving as the Centre's primary forum for reviewing the state of Hindi in government functioning and recognising exemplary contributions. Holding the sixth edition in Mumbai is significant: Maharashtra has a rich multilingual tradition, and the event's placement in the financial capital underscores the Centre's emphasis on Hindi's coexistence with regional languages rather than replacing them — a framing that official statements have consistently stressed. A special exhibition featuring stalls by institutions, banks, and ministries will also be on display at the venue.

The conference is expected to set the policy direction for Official Language implementation across Central government offices in the coming year.