Georgia marks Mother Language Day, commemorating the historic events of 1978, when citizens united to defend the status of the Georgian language. 

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the date holds a distinguished place in the country’s history, describing it as an unprecedented moment when the Georgian people demonstrated to the world their determination to protect national dignity.

“Happy Mother Language Day! April 14, 1978 holds a special place in the history of our country. On this day, Georgia united as one to defend its mother language. It was an unprecedented event - the Georgian nation showed the world that it would never give up its national dignity”, the PM said.

“At that time, defending the language meant saving the idea of ​​an independent state. That is why the historical victory gave a powerful impetus to the national liberation movement. The generation of April 14 preserved the foundation on which our sovereignty stands today”, he continued.

The PM emphasised that the Georgian people had a duty to unwaveringly care for their most living national treasure, their mother language. 

“Our commitment to our native language is eternal. In the modern world, protecting national identity still requires great efforts. It is our duty to unwaveringly care for our most living national treasure. The strength and development of the mother tongue is one of the most important conditions for the strength of the Georgian state”, he concluded.