International Mother Language Day program celebrates AU’s many cultures

Language is more than just letters formed into words and sentence structure; it’s a part of a person’s culture. According to the United Nations, there are approximately 8,324 languages in the world today, but many are at risk of being lost.

To raise awareness about this fact, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, created International Mother Language Day in 1999. In 2000, the significant day was observed for the first time.

The idea for the recognition began in Bangladesh as a way to ensure linguistic variety at all levels of education and honor the Bangladeshi students who sacrificed their lives to establish Bengali as the country’s national language on Feb. 21, 1952.

In 2024, the Augusta University Bangladeshi Student Association introduced the initiative to AU’s campus. On Feb. 21 of this year, the student organization hosted a vibrant and enriching International Mother Language Day event for the second time, bringing together students from numerous cultural backgrounds to celebrate the beauty of linguistic heritage.

A group of people, many wearing traditional Bangladeshi clothing, gather around a table that features the flag of Bangladesh and facts about the country. — [Photo courtesy of Md Mahmud Hasan]

“This event was a true celebration of unity because language is more than just a means of communication; it is the soul of our identity,” said Md Mahmud Hasan, president of AU’s Bangladeshi Student Association and a student in the doctorate of biostatistics program in AU’s School of Public Health. “Seeing students from different backgrounds come together, share their heritage and learn from one another was incredibly rewarding. We thank everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a memorable one.”

The 2025 event brought together students representing 10 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Lebanon, Israel and Iran, with 13 languages represented by 12 student presenters. The celebration afforded more than 100 people in attendance the opportunity to hear languages including Urdu, Igbo, Twi, Yoruba, Bengali, Hindi, Arabic, Etsako, Telugu, Hebrew, Persian, Azari and Ewè.

A large group of people stand in a large atrium and hold up a banner for International Mother Language Day. — [Photo courtesy of Md Mahmud Hasan]

“It was a pleasure to attend International Mother Language Day and celebrate with our international students and their families,” said Jennifer Sullivan, PhD, interim executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost and dean of The Graduate School. “The fellowship that was shared is increasingly important for our international students, helping them cultivate a sense of belonging at AU. Our community is enriched by an array of backgrounds, and I was honored and thankful to learn and share in their cultures.”

Participants proudly represented their countries by showcasing traditional artifacts, literature and multimedia displays at their booths. Attendees were treated to a colorful array of flags, handcrafted items and historical insights that reflected the rich cultural narratives.

A man scoops food from a platter into a bowl using a spoon. The food is part of a buffet that features food from different countries. — [Photo courtesy of Md Mahmud Hasan]

Several students even brought traditional delicacies, allowing those in attendance to embark on a culinary journey across continents. From Bangladeshi pithas to Nigerian jollof rice and Indian sweets, the variety in flavors mirrored the multicultural spirit of the event.

One of the highlights of the event was the National Anthem Presentation, where each participating country sang or played their anthem, creating a moving tribute. This was followed by a unifying performance of “Ekusher Gaan,” a song deeply rooted in the history of International Mother Language Day, commemorating the 1952 Bengali Language Movement.

“The primary objective of this day was to celebrate the richness of every language and recognize the microcosm of the world within AU,” said Shaheen Islam, MD, faculty adviser of the Bangladeshi Student Association and division chief and professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine in AU’s Medical College of Georgia. “Everyone should take pride in speaking the language that connects them to their tradition, heritage and culture. I would like to extend my gratitude to the members of AUBSA for organizing such a successful event. I look forward to an even larger and more impactful celebration next year.”

The evening concluded with a cultural program featuring songs, poetry and traditional dance performances in multiple languages. The rhythmic beats of Indian and Bangladeshi songs, the soulful expressions of African music and the storytelling through dance captivated the audience, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the power of cultural expression.

“The International Mother Language Day celebration at Augusta University was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt reminder of the importance of preserving linguistic heritage and embracing different cultures,” Hasan said. “As AUBSA continues its mission to promote cultural exchange, this event stands as a shining example of how language can connect us all, transcending borders and uniting communities in mutual respect and understanding.”