International Mother Language Day: 21 February

Current Context: International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

• This day was first announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999 and was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of UN resolution 56/262 in 2002.
• The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh.
• The theme for International Mother Language Day 2024 is "Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning".
• In Bangladesh, 21 February 1952 is the anniversary of the day when the Bengalis of the then-Pakistani province of East Bengal (which is now the independent state of Bangladesh) fought for recognition of their Bengali language.
• It is also observed by the Indian Bengalis of the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, Tripura and the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Question:

Q.1 Who first announced the International Mother Language Day?
a. United Nations
b. UNESCO
c. World Health Organization
d. International Monetary Fund