Hindi: Beyond Words, Connecting the World Community

Dr. Shubhankar Mishra

Hindi is not just mere words or a tool for communication; it's the very air millions of people around the globe breathe; the language that unlocks their inner voice. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "Hindi ke bina main gunga hoon" - without Hindi, I am voiceless. Spoken by over 600 million people worldwide, Hindi transcends borders and unites diverse communities through a shared cultural heritage. Within India, Hindi serves as a powerful thread weaving together the nation's rich tapestry. From ancient scriptures whispering tales of the past to the vibrant Bollywood movies and songs, Hindi offers a unique window into India's identity. It empowers individuals to express themselves with confidence, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

But Hindi's reach extends far beyond the borders of India. Indian diaspora communities across the world find solace and connection in its familiar cadence, reaffirming their cultural roots and forging a sense of belonging. This global journey of Hindi isn't a mere happen stance; it's the fruit of tireless efforts. The Indian government's dedication to promoting Hindi on international platforms has borne remarkable results. Its inclusion as one of the nine working languages of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stands as a testament to its growing influence and relevance in the global discourse.

World Hindi Day serves as a platform to celebrate the language's multifaceted strength and its unifying power. It's a day to acknowledge the achievements of Hindi in education, literature, and diplomacy, while also recognising the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in promoting its wider adoption and appreciation. By understanding and appreciating Hindi, we enrich our own perspectives and forge stronger connections with diverse communities across the globe.

Hindi's Global Ascent

The Hindi language's rising prominence on the world stage is a tale of unwavering dedication and vibrant cultural resonance. In 2003, the then Prime Minister of India, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee's landmark speech in Hindi at the UN General Assembly marked a pivotal moment, igniting India's global campaign for the language. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's repeated Hindi addresses at the UNGA have further solidified India's commitment to promoting Hindi as a language of diplomacy, forging a pathway for its wider embrace on the international platform.

For Hindi speakers and enthusiasts worldwide, January 10th holds a special significance. World Hindi Day, or Vishwa Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on this date, commemorates the inaugural World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur, India, in 1975. This day serves as a vibrant platform to showcase the unparalleled richness of Hindi language and culture to a global audience. While the first official World Hindi Day was celebrated in 2006, the distinction between this and Hindi Diwas observed nationally on September 14th is crucial. The latter date commemorates the adoption of Hindi as the official language of the Union of India in 1949, marking a defining milestone in the language's historical journey.

World Hindi Day, therefore, transcends national borders and embraces a broader vision. It signifies a global celebration of Hindi's rich literary heritage, diverse dialects, and captivating cinematic expressions. It's a day to acknowledge the language's growing influence in global education, business, and international communication, forging stronger connections between India and the global community.

Promoting Hindi within India:

India's diverse tapestry of cultures finds vibrant expression in its languages, with Hindi playing a pivotal role in preserving this rich heritage. Recognised as the Official Language since 1950, a number of institutions orchestrate its evolution. The Ministry of Education leads the charge through organisations like the Central Hindi Directorate, offering support and infrastructure for those eager to learn the language, regardless of their native tongue. The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology ensures Hindi's adaptability to modern fields, keeping it relevant in the ever evolving world. Meanwhile, the Central Institute of Indian Languages celebrates regional dialects. The Ministry of Home Affairs has dedicated a specialised department, the Department of Official Language, to uphold the spirit of the Official Language Act 1963. The Central Hindi Training Institute and Central Translation Bureau equip government officials with the tools necessary to navigate the bilingual reality of India, ensuring smooth communication across communities and fostering inclusivity. The Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice further strengthens this commitment by ensuring accurate and high-quality Hindi translations of legal documents, guaranteeing all voices are heard and understood with clarity.

Promoting Hindi Globally:

With a strong presence in neighbouring countries like Nepal, Fiji, Mauritius, Suriname, and Guyana, Hindi has established itself as an international language, bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding. This growing prominence is further fueled by the vast Indian diaspora, estimated by the UN to be the largest global emigrant population in 2020. They carry the melody of Hindi with them, spreading its charm and building bridges wherever they go.

Recognising this potential, the Ministry of External Affairs actively champions Hindi on the world stage. A network of Indian Cultural Centers abroad serves as the language's ambassadors, while dedicated "Second Secretaries and Attaches (Hindi and Culture)" stationed at key missions ensure its continued spread. The prestigious World Hindi Conference, organised by the Ministry, celebrates the language's global reach, while the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius fosters a spirit of cultural exchange and collaboration, ensuring the symphony that Hindi continues to play on the world stage. Yet, a milestone beckons on the horizon: official recognition of Hindi as a language of the United Nations. This would not only be a source of immense pride for India but also open doors to enhanced global communication and understanding. To pave the way for this recognition, India has been tirelessly promoting Hindi on the international stage. Celebrating World Hindi Day every January 10th is a testament to this commitment, while co-sponsoring a resolution on multilingualism at the UN General Assembly has garnered valuable global acknowledgement.

The world is taking notice of Hindi's vibrant melody, and the UN itself has taken concrete steps to promote the language. A Voluntary Financial Contribution Agreement between India and the UN has resulted in the launch of Hindi social media accounts, a dedicated website for UN News, and even Hindi broadcasts on UN Radio. These initiatives pave the way for a future where Hindi finds its rightful place as a language of global dialogue and cultural exchange.

The World Hindi Secretariat: A Catalyst for Global Recognition

The establishment of the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius in 1999 marked a pivotal moment in the global journey of the Hindi language. This initiative, born from a proposal by the first Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam, at the 1975 World Hindi Conference in Nagpur, solidified India's commitment to promoting Hindi on the international stage. The formalisation of this proposal through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Mauritius showcased a bold and decisive step towards achieving official recognition for Hindi at the United Nations.

The World Hindi Secretariat serves as a vital force in advocating for the universal acceptance of Hindi. Its mission encompasses promoting the language through various initiatives, including:

·         Collaborating with educational institutions and cultural organisations worldwide to create learning opportunities and cultural exchange programmes.

·         Developing resources for learners, such as textbooks, dictionaries, and online platforms.

·         Organising international conferences and workshops to discuss the challenges and opportunities of promoting Hindi globally.

·         Lobbying for the inclusion of Hindi in international organisations and educational curricula.

·         Advocating for recognition as official language of the UN

India's quest for official recognition of Hindi at the United Nations underscores the language's growing global significance. With over 600 million speakers worldwide and a prominent digital presence, Hindi holds immense potential as a language of communication and cultural exchange. Securing at least 129 votes at the UN General Assembly would require a concerted effort to garner support from the international community.

The recognition of indigenous languages, as evidenced by the United Nations declaring the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), further strengthens the case for Hindi. Preserving and promoting linguistic diversity is crucial for fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity.

The Road Ahead

In the dynamic landscape of the 21st century, upskilling and reskilling are paramount for individual and societal progress. In this context, learning Hindi can be a valuable asset. With its increasing popularity in the digital space, Hindi presents a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with a wider audience and expand their reach. However, bridging the "digital language divide" remains a challenge. Overcoming this hurdle necessitates innovative approaches, such as digitising learning content and making it accessible through smartphones and other mobile devices. This will enable individuals from diverse backgrounds to acquire Hindi proficiency, regardless of their location or traditional educational access. Ultimately, Hindi's future rests on our collective commitment to its preservation and promotion. As we celebrate Vishwa Hindi Day, let us renew our pledge to amplify awareness about the language and embrace its rich cultural legacy. By actively using and advocating for Hindi, we can empower its voice on the global stage and ensure its rightful place as a language of unity, cultural richness, and universal understanding. "Vishwa Hindi Diwas Abhinandan!" - May this World Hindi Day inspire us to collectively elevate Hindi to new heights of global recognition and influence.

(The author is a Government of India official representing the country in the World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius, as Deputy Secretary General. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.