Hundreds celebrate InternationalMother Language Day in Hastings

The event, which took place at the Sussex Hall, White Rock, was well attended by Hastings and Rother’s diverse communities.

The United Nations’ International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is held each year to celebrate languages spoken worldwide and observes the human right to use these languages. It also remembers the killing of four students on February 21, 1952, who had campaigned to officially use their mother language, Bengali, in Bangladesh.

Hastings Mayor, Judy Rogers attended the IMLD celebrations at the White Rock and says it was a very special day. “Once again this was a tremendous event attended by hundreds of people,” she said.

“We were treated to a colourful variety of performances including song, dance and poetry.

“This very important event celebrates the diversity of linguistic identities, recognises cultural and linguistic heritage and promotes a sense of belonging to the town.

“Our thanks must go to the organisers as it brings together communities of different nationality and faith and it really does show that we are one community with many voices,”

For further information on IMLD visit: http://en.unesco.org, to find out more about Bangladeshi Hastings and Rother Association call 01424 444010.