February 21st, International Mother Language Day, is more than just a date on the calendar. For many people across the world and for the people of Balochistan it is a reminder of something deeply personal: the language we first heard as children, the words our mothers whispered to soothe us, the voice of home.
Language is not just a tool for communication; it is the heartbeat of identity. It carries our stories, our songs, our laughter, and our grief. It is how we understand ourselves and how we pass down the wisdom of those who came before us. For Baloch children, the Balochi language is the voice of their ancestors. It is the sound of lulling lullabies under the palm trees, the rhythm of ancient poetry, and the warmth of elders telling tales by the fire.
But today, this language, like many other indigenous languages, is under threat. For decades, Baloch children have entered classrooms where their mother tongue has no place. They are expected to learn and excel in a language they do not speak at home. This creates more than an educational gap it creates a wound. A child, who at home is confident and curious, may suddenly feel lost and inadequate. They may begin to feel that their language, their home, their very identity is somehow less valuable.
The struggle to hold on to one’s mother tongue in the face of such pressures is not just a struggle for words. It is a struggle for dignity. It is a struggle to say: “We are here. Our voice matters.”
Yet, there is hope. Despite the challenges, Baloch families continue to speak their language at home. Mothers still sing old songs to their babies. Poets continue to write verses in Balochi. Young people are rediscovering their roots and finding pride in their language. Every time a child laughs in Balochi, every time a story is shared in the language of the ancestors, the struggle turns into resilience.
On this International Mother Language Day, we are reminded that every child deserves to learn and grow in a language they understand a language that feels like home. We are reminded that no language is “small” or “less important.” Each one is a universe, holding the spirit of a people.
May the voices of Balochistan, and of all indigenous communities around the world, continue to echo strong, proud, and free.
Because when we protect our languages, we protect our future. And we protect what makes us human.
