Much before independence i.e., as earlier as 1918, Mahatma Gandhiji the father of the nation, visualized the need of a link language between the northern and southern states of the country in the interest of unity and integrity of the nation. He thought Hindi spoken by the biggest section of the people could be the link language. He founded Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha in Madras with the noble purpose of propagating Hindi in the southern states of the country in the year 1918. He was the life time president of this Institution, “DAKSHIN BHARAT HINDI PRACHAR SABHA”.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Sri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, Smt. Indira Gandhi, Sri Rajiv Gandhi and Shri. P.V. Narasingh Rao, Shri. Vektaraman and Justice Rang Nath Mishra , Shri. M.V. Rajshekaran were the past presidents. At present Justice Dr. V.S. Malimath is the President.
Hindi Language became the Official language from the date of commencement of the Constitution of India. Propagation of Hindi in the Southern States was a dire necessity as contemplated in the Articles 343 to 351 of the constitution.
Keeping the above, aims and objects and the situation in view and also the noble work done by Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha from the year 1918 and Govt. of India declared the Institution as an Institution of National Importance by Central Act 14 of 1964.