In the latest circular, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all the colleges and universities affiliated with it to celebrate Matrubhasha Diwas on February 21, 2017.The circular has also directed all institutes to keep a record of all the activities that will be organized on the Matrubhasha Diwas and report it to UGC.

According to the circular, the HRD Ministry had informed that February 21 has been declared as the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) by UNESCO. The circular also added that the IMLD will be celebrated to propagate mother tongues and increase the awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions across the world.

The aim of the Matrubhasha Diwas is to spread awareness of the language diversity within India and acknowledge different languages spoken in the country. It will also help in encouraging the use of regional languages, draw attention to the different cultures within India.

The festival will also bring to light different forms of literature, scripts, craft, performing arts and other creative expressions in the country. Various activities will be organized such as debate, elocution, essay writing, dramatic performance, singing, painting, music, exhibitions, etc. The focus of these events will be to bring out the linguistic and diverse wealth of India.