Port-of-Spain: World Hindi Day is celebrated every year on January 10 in order to promote Hindi as an important language of the world. The Indian Embassies outside Bharat celebrate World Hindi Day by organizing special programs in collaboration with various government and non-government institutions.
The first World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur on January 10, 1975, where 122 delegates from 30 countries participated in the program. Ever since it has been organized in different countries like Mauritius, United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago, among several other countries.
The High Commission of India hosted World Hindi Day Celebrations on January 18, 2020 at the prestigious Southern Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA), San Fernando. The event was organized in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-Operation and The Hindi Nidhi Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago.
The event was attended by prominent members of society, socio-cultural and religious organizations, Hindi teachers, students, trade and business chambers, and the media.
The event featured remarks by Hon. Mr. Basdeo Panday-former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Chanka Seeterram- President of the Hindi Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan- Political Leader of COP, Hindi Scholarship Alumni and Deputy Mayor of San Fernando Dr Ferri Hosein.
On this occasion, H.E Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, High Commissioner of India greeted all those associated with learning, teaching and promoting Hindi language in Trinidad & Tobago. He also sought suggestions from the attendees to further strengthen the current Hindi teaching programme that the High Commission undertakes with the help of eight language teachers. He offered all possible assistance to the local schools if they are interested in teaching Hindi to young children.
The World Hindi Day Celebrations also featured a mesmerizing cultural programme with renowned artistes such as Kaveesh, and his band, Mr. Paritosh Sinha- Vocal Teacher at Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation, Shiva Gana Organization and Poetry Recitals by Hindi Teachers and Students.
- Hindi is the fifth most spoken language among the total languages spoken in the world.
- Hindi is spoken in many countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, USA, UK, Germany, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Mauritius, and South Africa.
- Oxford Dictionary included words like ‘Bada Din’, (big day) ‘Acha’, (Good) ‘Bacha’ (Child) and ‘Surya Namaskar’ in 2017. It represents the importance and acceptance of Hindi.
– by Paras Ramoutar
(Featured Image source)
Did you find this article useful? We’re a non-profit. Make a donation and help pay for our journalism.