के न्द्रीय माध्यशमक शिक्षा बोर्ड

(शिक्षा मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के अधीन एक स्वायत्त सगं ठन)

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

(An Autonomous Organisation Under the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India)

CBSE/ACAD/DS(MS)/2024 Date: 03.12.2024

Circular No: Acad-103/2024

All the Heads of Schools affiliated to CBSE

Subject: Celebration of Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav 2024 – reg.

Dear Principal

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises the importance of languages

(mother tongue based education and multilingualism) and a holistic approach to education
that values and preserves the linguistic heritage of our country and fosters a sense of pride
and appreciation for the multitude of languages that enrich our society.

The upcoming Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav will be a week-long celebration to commemorate the
birth anniversary of the revered Mahakavi Subramania Bharati on December 11, 2024.
This year’s theme is ‘Unity through Languages’. This celebration serves as a tribute to
Mahakavi Bharati and aims to promote and celebrate the linguistic diversity that is intrinsic to
the cultural fabric of our nation. A series of cultural events, competitions, and educational
activities may be planned from 04.12.2024 to 11.12.2024, which could serve the following
purpose:
1. Highlight the importance of language in preserving our cultural identity and promoting
unity among our citizens
2. Foster a deeper appreciation for Indian languages and literature among students at
school level.
3. Encourage multilingualism, Indian Languages as medium of education and research
4. Inspire and create a new generation of language enthusiasts
A list of suggestive activities is enclosed at Annexure 1. However, the school may customise
these activities. Additionally, to encourage a sense of unison amongst all learners, day-wise
themes may also be identified for the week as per the following suggestions:
1. Day 1: 04.12.2024, Wednesday: ‘Harmony in Languages and Nature’
2. Day 2: 05.12.2024, Thursday: ‘Blending Languages and Technology: The Power of
Words in the Digital Age’
3. Day 3: 06.12.2024. Friday: ‘Language and Literature: The Intersection’
4. Day 4: 07.12.2024, Saturday: ‘Language Fair’
5. Day 5: 09.12.2024, Monday: ‘The Eloquence of Expression’ Oratory skill activities
6. Day 6: 10.12.2024, Tuesday: ‘Language and Community’
7. Day 7: 11.12.2024, Wednesday: ‘Language, Culture, and Us: A Regional Fiesta’
The week-long celebration may culminate on 11 December 2024 to mark the 'Bharatiya
Bhasha Utsav'. The schools are requested to do the needful in this regard. A brief report of
activities (month-wise) and few photographs may be uploaded by the schools at the
following link on or before 12.12.2024:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczI3Gbqm5lZ_PyOE8EuQYvrTDp7zqSJVvJfh2
XG82BXuSh_A/viewform

With best wishes!

Dr. Praggya M Singh

Director (Academics)

‘शिक्षा सदन’ ,17 राऊज़ एवेन्यू ,इं स्टीटू िनल एररया, नई ददल्ली –110002
‘Shiksha Sadan’, 17, Rouse Avenue, Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110002

फ़ोन/Telephone: 011-23212603 वेबसाइट/Website :http://cbseacademic.nic.in e-mail: [email protected].

 के न्द्रीय माध्यशमक शिक्षा बोर्ड
(शिक्षा मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के अधीन एक स्वायत्त सगं ठन)

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

(An Autonomous Organisation Under the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India)

Copy to the respective Heads of Directorates, Organizations and Institutions as

indicated below with a request to disseminate the information to all the schools under
their jurisdiction:
1. The Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, 18 Institutional Area, Shaheed Jeet
Singh Marg, New Delhi-16
2. The Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, B-15, Sector-62, Institutional Area,
Noida-201309
3. The Secretary, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs,
Government of India.
4. The Secretary, Sainik Schools Society, Room No. 101, D-1 Wing, Sena Bhawan, New
Delhi-110001
5. The Chairman, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Sangathan, N-1/9, Near Doordarshan
Kendra, PO Sainik School Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Odhisha-751005
6. The Director of Education, Directorate of Education, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Old
Secretariat, Delhi-110 054
7. The Director of Public Instructions (Schools), Union Territory Secretariat, Sector 9,
Chandigarh-160017
8. The Director of Education, Govt. of Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim –737101
9. The Director of School Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar –791 111
10. The Director of Education, Govt. of A&N Islands, Port Blair – 744101
11. The Director of School Education, Ladakh, Room No.101-102, Ground Floor, Council
Secretariat, Kurbathang, Kargil - Ladakh
12. The Director of School Education, Andhra Pradesh, 3rd Floor, B block, Anjaneya
Towers, VTPS Rd, Bhimaraju Gutta, Ibrahimpatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 521 456
13. The Director, Central Tibetan School Administration, ESSESS Plaza, Community
Centre, Sector -3, Rohini, Delhi
14. The Additional Director General of Army Education, A –Wing, Sena Bhawan, DHQ, PO,
New Delhi-110001
15. The Secretary AWES, Integrated Headquarters of MoD (Army), FDRC Building No. 202,
Shankar Vihar (Near APS), Delhi Cantt-110010
16. DS to Chairperson, CBSE
17. Secretary/ Controller of Examinations/ All Directors, CBSE
18. All Regional Directors/ Regional Officers of CBSE with the request to send this circular
to all the Heads of the affiliated schools of the Board in their respective regions
19. All Joint Secretary/ Deputy Secretary/ Under Secretary/ Assistant Secretary, CBSE
20. All Head(s)/ In-Charge(s), Centre of Excellence, CBSE
21. In charge IT Unit with the request to put this Circular on the CBSE Academic Website
22. In-Charge, Library
23. Record File

Director (Academics)

‘शिक्षा सदन’ ,17 राऊज़ एवेन्यू ,इं स्टीटू िनल एररया, नई ददल्ली –110002
‘Shiksha Sadan’, 17, Rouse Avenue, Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110002

फ़ोन/Telephone: 011-23212603 वेबसाइट/Website :http://cbseacademic.nic.in e-mail: [email protected].

 Annexure - 1
Concept Note
भारतीय भाषा उत्सव Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav
For School Education
Theme:
भाषाओं के माध्यम से एकता (Unity through Languages)

"Our mother tongue shapes our lives just as our mother" Shri. Narendra Modi (Hon'ble
Prime Minister, in Maan ki Bat episode, dated: 27 February 2022)

India is an example of unity in diversity. India exemplifies this through the coexistence of
numerous languages within a shared geographic expanse, bound by common linguistic traits.
These shared characteristics and the linguistic coherence among Bharatiya bhashas emphasize
the nation's cultural richness while underscoring its intrinsic unity. This coherence not only
highlights India's diversity but also serves as a testament to its unified identity. The shared
linguistic features among Bharatiya bhasha point to a common origin, reflecting their
interconnection and adaptability over millennia. This evolution demonstrates how cultural and
linguistic plurality can thrive harmoniously, contributing to India’s vibrant and inclusive
identity.

To preserve and celebrate this linguistic and cultural heritage, it is essential to integrate
Bharatiya bhasha into all levels of education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
emphasizes this by mandating the incorporation of Bharatiya bhasha in the curriculum,
promoting a multilingual approach from an early age. By encouraging the use of mother
tongues and regional languages as mediums of instruction, the policy ensures the growth and
development of Bharatiya bhasha at every level, reinforcing India's commitment to linguistic
diversity and cultural richness. Additionally, recent research also underscores the cognitive
benefits of multilingualism, further supporting the significance of learning multiple languages.
Highlighting the importance of linguistic unity and cultural preservation, Bharatiya Bhasha
Utsav is celebrated annually on December 11th. This event commemorates the birth
anniversary of Shri Subramania Bharati ji, also known as "Mahakavi Bharathi"—a revered
Tamil poet, polyglot, writer, journalist, and a significant figure in India’s independence
movement.

This year’s Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav, carries the theme "भाषाओं के माध्यम से एकता" (Unity
through Languages). It underscores how India’s diverse linguistic traditions can foster national
unity and promote a harmonious society. Schools play a pivotal role in the celebration, offering
young learners’ opportunities to explore the richness of Bharatiya bhasha and contribute to
cultivating a linguistically aware and culturally inclusive generation, resonating with the theme
of unity through languages. The week-long celebration may culminate at the State/UT level
through a State level event on the 11th December 2024 to mark the 'Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav'.
 Suggested List of Activities:

S. No Level Suggested Activities

1. School level Day 1: 04 December 2024, Wednesday: "Harmony in

(Schools may choose Languages and Nature”
any one activity for 1. Language Trees: Create a "language tree" in
each day from the classrooms where students add leaves with words or
suggested activities sentences in different Bharatiya bhasha as they learn
or conduct all as per them.
their convenience. 2. Poetry Recitation based on Nature and
You may also Environment.
interchange activities 3. Nature walk: Take students on a walk to a nearby
across days as park, forest, or garden and have them observe the
required.) plants and animals. Students can discuss what they
see in their own language.

Day 2: 05 December 2024, Thursday: “Blending

Languages and Technology: The Power of Words in the
Digital Age”
1. Digital Language Journals: Have students maintain
a digital journal where they document new words
and phrases they learn in different languages, along
with their meanings and usage.
2. Interactive Maps: Create interactive maps of India
in classrooms where students can place labels,
names of states, and cultural highlights in regional
languages.
3. Cookbook Project: Compile a cookbook with
recipes from different states, written in the
respective languages. Students can contribute
recipes and learn the related vocabulary.

Day 3: 06 December 2024, Friday: “Language and

Literature: The Intersection”
1. Bharathiyar and other prominent regional writers’
Stories of National Unity: In this activity, students
are to share stories and anecdotes from Bharathiyar's
life that highlight his commitment to national unity
and his vision of an inclusive India. This can also
include storytelling sessions or dramatizations of
key moments in his life. (Note for teachers: The aim
is to highlight that Bharathiyar and other
prominent regional writers’ life is a testament to
the belief that
 cultural and linguistic diversity can coexist
harmoniously.)
2. Language-themed Film Screenings: Schools to
Show documentaries on various languages and folk
traditions with a child-friendly viewership of
different Bharatiya bhasha with subtitles. Follow up
with discussions.

Day 4: 07 December 2024, Saturday: “Language Fair”

1. Language Learning Clubs: Form clubs dedicated to
different languages where students can practice
speaking, reading, and writing in a fun and
supportive environment.
2. Language Art: Incorporate language learning into
art projects, such as creating and displaying murals
with words and phrases from different languages or
illustrating stories and poems.
3. Festival Celebrations: Celebrate festivals from
different regions of India in their authentic
languages. Include activities like traditional music,
dance, and food to enhance the cultural experience.
4. Language-based Treasure Hunts: Create treasure
hunts where clues are written in different Bharatiya
bhasha. Students must decode them to find the
treasure.
5. In the language fair, each class can set up a stall
showcasing a particular language, its script,
common phrases, cultural artifacts, and traditional
foods.
6. On the spot creativity: Encourage children to write
slogans, draw pictures or paintings with captions,
prepare posters, etc.

Day 5: 09 December 2024, Monday: “The Eloquence of

Expression” Oratory skill activities
1. Language Theatre and Storytelling: Encourage
students to perform short skits or plays in different
Bharatiya bhasha. This could be done in groups and
incorporate traditional stories or contemporary
themes. Invite local authors or eminent
educationalists to share folktales and stories from
their native languages.
 2. Bilingual Poetry Recitals: Have students choose a
poem in one Indian language and translate it into
another. They can then recite both versions and
discuss the nuances of each.
3. Multilingual Debate Competitions: Organize
debates where participants have to argue their points
in different languages, switching languages at
certain intervals.

Day 6: 10 December 2024, Tuesday: “Language and

Community”
1. Bhasha Mitra Initiative: Teachers may pair students
who speak different languages and encourage them
to teach each other basic greetings, phrases and
sentences in their respective languages.
2. Bhasha Sarathi: Establish a program with schools
from different regions of India where students can
write letters in their language about their language
and culture or share the messages of unity by
translating where necessary and exchanging them
with other students.
3. Collaborative Projects with Language Experts.
Collaborate with local language experts or linguists
to conduct workshops and interactive sessions with
students, enriching their learning experience.

Day 7: 11 December 2024, Wednesday: “Language,

Culture, and Us: A Regional Fiesta”
1. Cultural Exchange Day: Students can dress in their
traditional attire, representing their native culture,
language, and traditions.
2. Language of the Week Projects: Each day, focus on
a specific language and a project report can be
compiled and presented on the final day of the week.
Activities can include learning songs, dances, and
important cultural aspects related to that language.

Other creative fronts: besides the above-mentioned

activities, any other related and creative ideas may be
encouraged.
2. Block/Cluster/ 1. Bhasha Utsav Yatra: Host a "Bhasha Utsav Yatra" where
Panchayat level students and community members dress in traditional attire
 and carry banners with phrases and slogans in different
Bharatiya bhasha on national unity. The yatra can feature
cultural performances, music, and dance from various
regions, ending with a community gathering and cultural
exhibition. To promote pride in linguistic diversity and
cultural heritage through a vibrant, community-wide event.

2. Community Language Workshops: Organize a field or

community interaction program in nearby villages where
students and their families spend a day with the local
community. During this visit, they will engage in activities
to learn a few words and phrases in the local language and
immerse themselves in the local culture.

3. Bhasha Vistaar Mela: Host a mela at the

panchayat/cluster/block level, where teachers, parents and
students display innovative teaching-learning techniques in
local languages. This can include handmade books,
flashcards, educational games, and storytelling. The best
materials can be awarded and later used in classrooms to
promote language learning.

4. Organize Various Competitions: Organize various

competitions at the block/cluster/panchayat level, including
cultural performances, language-based games, and
academic contests. Recognize and award the students to
encourage participation and excellence.
3. District level: 1. District-Level Competitions: Block/cluster/panchayat
level winners may participate in district-level competitions
to showcase their talents and linguistic skills.

2. Bharatiya Bhasha Promotion Mela: Conduct a Bharatiya

Bhasha promotion mela, involving schools across the
region. The mela will feature exhibitions, cultural
performances, and interactive language booths. Inviting the
School Education Secretary or renowned educationists, or
renowned celebrities to speak on the importance of mother
tongue education and the need for promoting Bharatiya
Bhasha in today's Bharat.

3. Bhasha Jan-Jagran Abhiyan: Districts should Undertake

an awareness drive to promote the benefits of
multilingualism.
 4. Recognition and Awards for Schools: The respective
School education departments may recognize and honour
the 5 best schools in the district that have promoted
multilingualism and Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav-related
activities in the most creative ways. These activities aim to
engage students, educators, and the community in
promoting and preserving India's rich linguistic diversity.
4. State Level 1. Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav: State/UT to organize a grand
one-day celebration, 'Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav' at the
State/UT capital, bringing together students across the
State/UT to celebrate and promote the rich linguistic
diversity of India.

2. Speech on the Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav: On December

11th, 2024 during the Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav, the Hon'ble
Chief Minister/ State Education Minister/ Education
Secretary/other dignitaries may deliver a speech
highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity and
cultural unity. Additionally, the State/UT may organize a
30-minute to 1-hour program, documentary or interviews on
government channels featuring discussions in Bharatiya
bhasha. This program may include interviews with
academic experts and notable personalities, providing
insights and celebrating the rich linguistic heritage of our
country.

3. Workshops/Seminars: Organize workshops and seminars

on the importance of multilingualism, the benefits of
learning and promoting Bharatiya Bhasha.

4. Collaborative Celebrations: State organizations like

SCERT, DIETs State Boards, and so on may celebrate
Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav. Also, other NGOs/CSOs, FM
channels, local radio/TV channels, and newspapers (both
local and regional) may be advised to celebrate Bharatiya
Bhasha Utsav.