“Today marks the 45th anniversary of April 14, 1978, peaceful mass rally, when the Georgian nation stood up against the Soviet authorities’ attempt to abolish the official language status of Georgian in the new constitution. Georgians emerged victorious in this fight for protecting their native language.

It was the first time in the history of the Soviet Union when popular protest forced the regime to back down. This victory proved exemplary for other republics, also impacting the formulation of the final redactions of their respective constitutions.

It was the Georgian nation itself that turned April 14 into the Day of Mother Language.

The 10-Year Strategy of the Official Language, already approved by the Government of Georgia, was designed to protect and develop the Georgian language.

Our mother language is one of the main determinants of our identity, unity, and strength,” -  Gharibashvili said.