Man ni Mojnishi Sparks Powerful Gujarati Language Pride
One Year of ‘Man ni Mojnishi’: A Special Celebration of Music and Literature on World Mother Language Day
In a dedicated effort to preserve the rich heritage of the Gujarati language, literature, and culture, the Pradan Charitable Trust – Kaladham, alongside the renowned artist duo Shyamal and Saumil Munshi, has organised a special musical and literary event titled ‘Man ni Mojnishi’ on February 21, 2026. This date was chosen specifically to coincide with International Mother Language Day, adding a layer of profound pride to the occasion. International Mother Language Day is observed across the world every year on February 21 after it was recognised by UNESCO in 1999. The day honours the importance of native languages and remembers students in Bangladesh who lost their lives in 1952 while fighting for the right to speak their mother tongue. Today, the day reminds people that language is deeply linked to identity, dignity, and cultural survival.
Since its inception in March 2025, this monthly series has been held consistently, and the upcoming February event marks the 12th instalment, signifying the successful completion of the project’s first year. Gujarat has a long tradition of such literary gatherings. For more than 100 years, poetry recitals, known as ‘kavi sammelans’, and musical storytelling events have played a key role in keeping Gujarati literature alive. Many famous Gujarati poets, including Narmad, Jhaverchand Meghani, and Umashankar Joshi, reached the public through such performances. Even today, live recitation remains one of the most powerful ways to connect young people with literature, as hearing words spoken aloud creates a stronger emotional bond than reading alone.
The programme will be hosted at the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad hall, which has been generously provided free of charge by the institution to support this noble cause. The Gujarati Sahitya Parishad itself holds a special place in the history of Gujarat. Founded in 1905 in Ahmedabad, it has played a major role in promoting Gujarati literature. It has supported writers, published books, and organised literary events for generations. Many respected writers have been linked to the Parishad, and its hall has seen countless historic literary moments. Providing the hall free of cost continues its tradition of supporting cultural preservation.
Details regarding the artistic and musical dimensions of the event were shared by noted artists Aarti Munshi, Shyamal Munshi, and Saumil Munshi, while Malav Bhai, a trustee of the Pradan Charitable Trust, provided information concerning technical execution and CSR funding. Gujarat has always had a strong link between poetry and music. Many Gujarati poems were written to be sung, not just read. Folk forms such as ‘Sugam Sangeet’ and ‘Bhajan’ have helped carry poetry from one generation to another. Artists like Shyamal and Saumil Munshi have spent decades performing poetry through music, helping audiences feel the meaning of words through melody.
The primary objective of this unique series is to instil a sense of pride for the Gujarati language within the younger generation and to revive literature that is gradually being forgotten. This concern is real. Studies have shown that many urban families in India now speak more English or Hindi at home, and regional languages are used less. Experts believe that when children stop using their mother tongue regularly, they slowly lose connection with their culture. Language is not just words. It carries stories, emotions, and values. Protecting a language helps protect a way of life.
Each month, the initiative pays a “tribute of remembrance” by performing the songs and recitations of poets and litterateurs whose birth or death anniversaries occur during that month. This kind of remembrance has deep roots in Indian culture. Honouring poets after their death keeps their work alive. For example, the poems of Jhaverchand Meghani are still sung today, even though he passed away in 1947. His songs about courage and folk life continue to inspire people. Such tributes ensure that great writers are never forgotten.
The upcoming celebration on February 21st holds immense significance as it marks both the anniversary of the project and the global celebration of mother tongues. To ensure that poets, artists, and the general public can fully immerse themselves in this literary legacy, entry to the event is completely free. Free entry plays an important role in cultural events. When people do not have to pay, more students, families, and young listeners can attend. This helps spread awareness and keeps literature open to all, not just a few.
A standout feature of this campaign is that all participating eminent artists contribute their talent without charging any professional fees. This reflects a long tradition in India, where artists often perform for social or cultural causes. Many senior artists believe it is their duty to give back to society. Their voluntary participation also shows their deep love for the Gujarati language.
Furthermore, to ensure the continued momentum of this literary movement into the coming year, Prudent Financial Services has stepped forward with generous support through its CSR funds. Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, has become an important source of support for cultural and social projects in India. Since CSR spending became mandatory for certain companies in 2014, many organisations have supported education, arts, and heritage programmes. This support helps cultural movements survive and grow.
The foundation of any culture is rooted in its language; Gujarati is not merely a medium of communication but a reflection of a grand heritage and identity. Gujarati is spoken by more than 55 million people worldwide, including large communities in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Africa. Famous leaders like Mahatma Gandhi also wrote and spoke in Gujarati, using it to connect with ordinary people.
In an era where the new generation is drifting away from their roots due to globalisation, ‘Man ni Mojnishi’ serves as a vital catalyst for social consciousness. By introducing the youth to the melody and power of Gujarati words through live performances, the campaign addresses a critical contemporary need. The core mantra of this movement is the belief that by preserving our language, we keep our culture and values vibrant, fostering a deep-seated respect and pride for the Gujarati language among all people.
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