On the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2026, themed “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society launched a special project “Swaraaj Gaan: Patriotic Songs of Bharat”as a vibrant tribute to India’s linguistic and cultural unity.
The event celebrated patriotic songs across diverse Indian languages, reaffirming the significance of mother tongues in strengthening national identity and social harmony. The programme also marked the Birth Anniversary of The Mother, paying homage to her spiritual legacy and the timeless vision of Sri Aurobindo, who emphasized the profound relationship between language, culture, and the national soul.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, highlighted the urgent need to preserve and revitalize India’s mother tongues through innovation, technology integration, and inclusive education policies. He underscored the pivotal role of youth in strengthening multilingual education and fostering social cohesion, reiterating that language is not merely a medium of communication but a living cultural force that carries civilizational memory and values.
Shri Raghvendra Shukla, Senior Panel Counsel for the Union of India and the State of Madhya Pradesh before the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Regional Head (Northern India), Bhartiya Bhasha Abhiyan, reflected on India’s rich patriotic musical heritage and its enduring role in shaping national consciousness. He emphasized that multilingual patriotic expression strengthens unity while honoring diversity.
A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the “Swaraj Gaan” Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting the spirit of Bharat through patriotic songs in multiple Indian languages. The project aims to serve as an educational and cultural resource for institutions across India, encouraging students to engage with the nation’s linguistic heritage through music and collective participation.
The organizers expressed sincere gratitude for the guidance and support of Shri Vijay Bhai, Member Executive, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, and acknowledged the contributions of language representatives including Paromita Mukhopadhyay and Aparna Mitra (Bengali); Shreyas Munim, Nayana Dasgupta, Meera Shah, and Atul Merchant (Gujarati); Ajit Sabnis (Kannada); Ragunath (Malayalam); Hetal Kamdar (Marathi); Mukta Manadhar (Punjabi); Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy (Sanskrit); Senthil Kumar (Tamil); and Srinivasa Murty (Telugu).
A Multilingual Poets’ Meet formed an integral part of the celebration, featuring eminent scholars and academicians including Dr. Sashikant Dash, Former Registrar, Pondicherry University; Mrs. Charu Tripathy, Associate Director, Sri Aurobindo Society; Shri Shekhar Manik Kashatriya, Director, AuroYajna; Dr. Shajimon, Associate Professor, MGIDSR; Dr. P. Selvaraju, Assistant Professor and Head, Rajiv Gandhi Arts and Science College; and Dr. R. Sheela Banu, Associate Professor, Government Arts College. Participants presented iconic patriotic songs representing India’s rich linguistic spectrum, demonstrating how music becomes a powerful vehicle for cultural transmission and national integration.
“Swaraaj Gaan: Patriotic Songs of Bharat” stands as a tribute to India’s linguistic soul—celebrating every mother tongue as a living flame of culture, identity, and collective aspiration. The gathering brought together scholars, artists, educators, youth, and cultural enthusiasts in a shared commitment to multilingual education and spiritual nationalism expressed through song.
To further advance the theme, an online session titled “Voices on Multilingual Education: Celebrating Diversity Through Language and Path to Peace and Sustainability” is scheduled for February 21. The session aims to deepen dialogue on multilingualism, youth engagement, and sustainable cultural development.
The symposium concluded with insightful discussions, soulful renditions of timeless patriotic compositions, and a renewed call for nationwide educational dissemination of multilingual cultural initiatives. The organizers expressed hope that the Swaraj Gaan initiative will inspire schools, universities, and community institutions across India to integrate patriotic multilingual music into educational curricula—strengthening unity in diversity through language, culture, and collective memory.
