Global Resonance of Hindi:

Exploring its Impact and Future

Interview

Hindi Diwas, observed annually on the 14th of September, commemorates a pivotal moment in India's linguistic journey. On this day in 1949, Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, was officially adopted as the language of the Republic of India, honouring its deep cultural significance and role in uniting the diverse fabric of the nation. Hindi Diwas serves as an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the language's rich legacy and its continued relevance in shaping India's identity. The Government of India, alongside various stakeholders, has been relentlessly striving to not only preserve the essence of the Hindi language but to elevate its stature, both within the nation and across the globe. These efforts aim to strengthen Hindi as a powerful symbol of India's cultural identity, resonating with Indians worldwide and presenting the country's linguistic richness on the international stage.

Leading such endeavours with unwavering dedication is Dr. Kumud Sharma, a stalwart advocate for Hindi and a highly acclaimed personality in the world of academia and literature. Currently serving as the Head of the Hindi Department at Delhi University, Dr. Sharma also holds the position of Director of the Hindi Medium Directorate Implementation (Additional Charge) at the university. Her leadership extends beyond academia, as she is also the Vice President of Sahitya Akademi, a prestigious literary institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Through these influential roles, Dr. Sharma has been a driving force in promoting Hindi not only within India but also on the global stage.

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Sudhit Mishra for Employment News, Dr. Kumud Sharma sheds light on the growing role of Hindi in the digital age and the challenges it faces in both national and international contexts. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of how Hindi can serve as a bridge across cultures and she passionately speaks about the critical role of institutions like Sahitya Akademi in fostering literary diversity and unity. Dr. Sharma also highlights the increasing opportunities available for Hindi enthusiasts in today's media- rich environment, offering a roadmap for young writers and thinkers to embrace Hindi as a language of creativity, connection and pride. From her interview:

Q. What is the strategic importance of Hindi for India on the global platform in the context of cultural diplomacy?

A. Hindi is the face of India's cultural identity, a language that pulses with the essence of centuries- old traditions, philosophies and values. In the face of evolving global conditions, Hindi can play a crucial role in offering the world a vision grounded in coordination, harmony, and coexistence. Much like the echo of a culture is heard through its language, the global promotion of Hindi serves as a powerful medium for fostering deeper cultural ties between nations. The global spread of Hindi will not only enhance India's international relations but will also elevate the prestige of Indian culture, which champions the ancient ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'- the world is one family. Furthermore, Hindi acts as a unifying thread for the Indian diaspora, linking hearts across continents in a shared linguistic heritage.

Q. What steps are necessary for India to make Hindi popular at the global level?

A. For Hindi to truly flourish on the global stage, India must bolster its systems of teaching and training the language worldwide. This requires innovative and sustained efforts to address the various challenges that exist in promoting Hindi across diverse linguistic landscapes. A continuous dialogue is essential to refine the methods of teaching Hindi internationally, including the development of curricula specifically tailored for foreign learners. Equally crucial is the creation and dissemination of bilingual dictionaries that bridge Hindi and other world languages, a vital tool for enhancing global understanding. Through these concerted actions, India can ensure that Hindi takes its rightful place as a global language of cultural diplomacy.

Q. How can the promotion and propagation of Hindi, for which India is famous, be balanced with its linguistic diversity?

A. It is essential to recognise that Hindi does not seek to overshadow the rich tapestry of India's languages, but rather wishes to move forward hand in hand with them, sharing a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect. The beauty of Hindi lies in its inclusivity and its ability to embrace diversity with an open heart. Instead of turning to English for borrowed words, Indian languages, including Hindi, can enrich each other through an organic exchange of vocabulary. This symbiotic relationship should inspire confidence in every speaker, fostering an environment where all languages flourish together.

Q. How important is it to translate Hindi literary works into Indian and foreign languages to expand their reach?

A. If not for the art of translation and the dedicated efforts of translators, classics such as Ramcharitmanas and the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita would not have gained their revered status on the global stage. Many masterpieces by iconic authors like Premchand, Phanishwar Nath Renu and Agyeya might have remained confined to a limited audience, their brilliance undiscovered. Translation plays an indispensable role in literature- it bridges cultures and languages, allowing us to savour Tamil poet Subramania Bharati's verses or experience the grandeur of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Anandamath. Translation is the key to unlocking the intellectual treasures hidden within the words of different languages, enriching the world with the wisdom they carry.

Q. The number of students pursuing UGC NET, JRF and PhDs in Hindi is noticeably higher than in other subjects at universities today. How can this trend be understood?

A. As a professor of Hindi, this is a deeply gratifying development that signals a promising future for the language. The expanding opportunities for employment in Hindi- related fields have played a pivotal role in this trend. Today's youth gravitate towards subjects that offer concrete career prospects and Hindi has proven itself to be more than just an academic pursuit- it's a gateway to a dynamic range of careers. The rise of Hindi media, coupled with the booming entertainment industry, has opened new vistas for those proficient in the language. Hindi's influence is evident in the media market, where the circulation of Hindi newspapers outstrips that of English dailies and its dominance on the silver screen and television continues to grow. Whether in entertainment, journalism or the broader media landscape, Hindi has become a powerful tool for earning both fame and fortune. This is why the number of students pursuing UGC NET, JRF and PhDs in Hindi has soared, reflecting the language's burgeoning relevance in today's world.

Q. How has social media changed the landscape of Hindi literature? What role has it played in popularising Hindi among the younger generation?

A. Social media has redefined the essence and power of the Hindi language in the digital age, infusing it with renewed vigor and creativity. On these platforms, Hindi has become a vehicle for personal expression, unlocking endless possibilities for innovation and self-discovery. Every post, tweet and story spins a new narrative for the Hindi- speaking world, capturing the pulse of this era with fresh energy. The beauty of social media lies in its ability to embrace and elevate the voices of all, offering a global stage for creativity to flourish. In this expansive digital arena, the allure of Hindi has surged, capturing the hearts of a younger, more tech-savvy generation.

Q. What is your vision for the future of Hindi in the coming decade and how are esteemed institutions like the Sahitya Akademi contributing to its growth?

A. In the decade ahead, the global footprint of Hindi is set to expand significantly, as the language continues to make its presence felt in international forums and key global dialogues. Prestigious institutions like the Sahitya Akademi are at the forefront of this transformation. As a sanctuary for writers from 24 Indian languages, the Akademi plays a crucial role in fostering harmony between Hindi and other Indian tongues by publishing translated works and promoting linguistic unity. Through year- round literary events, the Akademi nurtures writers from diverse back-grounds, sowing the seeds of camaraderie that bind the literary community in a shared sense of purpose.

Q. What opportunities does the digital age offer for the growth of Hindi?

A. The digital age has woven a web of connectivity, bringing people closer than ever before. While debates on how technology links us may continue, there is no denying the enduring power of language in shaping these connections. In this era, the users of social media have come to understand the immense power of words and Hindi is no exception. Opportunities for Hindi's growth abound in this digital landscape, waiting to be seized by those who recognise the potential. The future of Hindi lies in harnessing these digital tools to further its reach and influence.

Q. What are the major hurdles in promoting Hindi both in India and globally?

A. The most significant hurdle in promoting Hindi within India is the lingering inferiority complex attached to the language, along with the pervasive illusion of English superiority. Even today, English is viewed as the benchmark of social status and aristocracy, casting a shadow over Hindi's potential. On the global stage, the primary challenge is securing Hindi an official status in the United Nations- a goal that remains elusive, though efforts are consistently being made in that direction by the government.

Q. What message would you like to give to Hindi enthusiasts and young writers on the occasion of Hindi Diwas?

A. My message to the younger generation is this: language is a priceless inheritance of human achievement, not merely a tool for communication but the very soul of our culture. The development of a language mirrors the growth of a civilisation and the preservation of an authentic heritage. Young people have a pivotal role to play in the ideological and cultural battle for the future of Hindi and other Indian languages. Hindi, at its core, is a language that unites, not divides- it binds hearts with threads of love. Embrace Hindi as a language of dignity and self-respect and honor it with all your heart.

Q. Do you have any constructive suggestions for the continuous progress of Hindi as the official language?

A. To ensure the continuous progress of Hindi as the official language, it is essential that it is not simply translated from English in government offices but used in its original form. True respect for the official language cannot be achieved through translation alone. The key to progress lies in adopting Hindi with sincere devotion and resolving to carry out as much work as possible in Hindi. Only then can we honour and advance the official language in a meaningful way.

(The interviewer is member of EN Team. Feedback on this interview can be sent at feedback.employmentnews@ gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.