International Mother Language Day 2026 Celebrated with Moving Presentations

Time passes unnoticed when one is fully absorbed in a meaningful cultural experience. The International Mother Language Day celebration organized by Prio Bangla in collaboration with Arlington County–Arlington Arts in Virginia last Sunday created exactly that feeling.

When I arrived at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, the seminar segment was already underway. The panel featured Arlington County Board members Takis P. Karantonis and Julius D. Spain, Columbia Pike Partnership Executive Director Andrew Schneider, Arlington County’s first Latino board member Dr. Emma Violand Sanchez, Maryland Department of Health policy analyst Mukta Bain, Mrs. Tourism USA Universe 2024 Dr. Rajshree Shrestha, and Dr. Syed Mahtab Ahmed of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Independent consultant Marsha L. Semmel moderated the discussion, while IT expert and educator Dr. Priyalal Karmakar, also chief coordinator of Prio Bangla, chaired the session.

A symbolic Shaheed Minar (martyrs’ monument) had been erected at the venue, outside the hallroom. Dressed in black and white, attendees offered flowers in tribute, while others captured the solemn moment in photographs.

The program reflected months of careful preparation by an organized team. According to Dr. Karmakar and other speakers, it represented one of the first large-scale International Mother Language Day observances meaningfully involving mainstream American participation, an important step toward recognition.

Speakers emphasized that the day offers a unique opportunity to celebrate linguistic diversity. A special video message from U.S. Senator Mark Warner highlighted the importance of such initiatives and conveyed his best wishes for the event’s success.

The heart of the celebration, however, was the cultural segment. Artists and cultural representatives from 15 countries presented songs, poetry, and dance in their native languages, creating a shared appreciation of linguistic heritage and mutual respect among cultures.

Community and embassy kiosks, a children’s reading circle, and storytelling sessions added to the atmosphere of inclusion. The diversity of attire, colors, and artistic styles further enriched the experience, while the Shaheed Minar backdrop on stage gave the entire program a dignified and emotional tone.

Following the seminar, Arlington County leaders and Bangladeshi community members- including Virginia Tech professor Dr. Saifur Rahman and legendary journalist Sarkar Kabiruddin and other walked barefoot to place flower at the monument in tribute to the language martyrs.

Under the lively emceeing of award-winning director and cinematographer Reema Kapani, performances flowed seamlessly from one to another. Countries from across the Americas — including Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, and the United States — shared the stage with participants from India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Bengali-speaking communities from both West Bengal and Bangladesh. Each group passionately presented its cultural identity.


The most emotional moment came with a dance-drama depicting the sacrifice of the Bengali people for their mother tongue. Performed by Bangladeshi-origin artists raised in the United States under the guidance of Ekushey Padak-winning dance legend Laila Hasan, the piece moved many in the audience to tears. Journalist-educator Anis Ahmed highlighted the historical milestones that led to the establishment of International Mother Language Day, tracing its origins to the day the Bengali people fought for their mother tongue.

The program reinforced a universal message: while Bangladesh immortalizes February 21 for its language martyrs, every linguistic community can also express pride in its own language and heritage. By the end of the evening, attendees shared a common hope that the celebration would become an annual tradition.

Dr. Priyalal Karmakar confirmed that this year’s event was held slightly earlier due to the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. Organizers aim to hold future celebrations closer to February 21 and expand participation even further in the years ahead.