Putin Marks Day of the Languages of the Peoples of Russia, Calls Linguistic Diversity a National Treasure

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent greetings to participants in celebrations marking the Day of the Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation, emphasizing that the country’s linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity is a shared national heritage and an important state priority.

The new holiday, observed on September 8 and timed to coincide with the birthday of renowned Dagestani poet Rasul Gamzatov, is being celebrated for the first time during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Putin described the coincidence as highly symbolic.

According to the Russian president, representatives of nearly 200 peoples and ethnic groups live together across Russia. He said their languages, distinctive traditions and customs constitute a common heritage and represent one of the country’s greatest sources of cultural wealth.

Putin said preserving Russia’s ethnocultural and linguistic diversity remains a state priority. He highlighted efforts to develop specialized textbook series, support literature in national languages and schools of literary translation, and implement educational, informational, outreach and creative projects.

At the same time, Putin stressed the unifying role of the Russian language. He said that while the distinctive languages of Russia’s different peoples should be preserved, Russian serves as a common bond linking the country’s diverse communities.

The Russian language, he said, played an important role in shaping Russia as a unified multinational state and, over centuries, helped promote the mutual enrichment of cultures, good-neighborly relations and understanding among its peoples.

Putin expressed confidence that the celebrations would take place in a festive atmosphere and remain memorable for participants and guests, while extending his wishes for success and well-being to all those taking part.