JAMMU: Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, today inaugurated the “Hindi Pakhwada” celebration organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) at K.L. Saigal Hall. The event saw enthusiastic participation from writers, scholars, academicians, and admirers of Hindi language and literature.
In his address, Brij Mohan Sharma praised JKAACL for its role in documenting and promoting Hindi through its journals, books, and publications. He recalled that in 2020, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir recognized Hindi as one of the official languages alongside Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, and English.
Highlighting the importance of Hindi as a symbol of unity and cultural identity, the Principal Secretary announced plans to establish a calligraphy centre to train the younger generation in Hindi, Urdu, and other languages, enriching the visual arts of J&K. He also emphasized the responsibility of institutions like JKAACL in providing platforms for young writers and scholars to contribute to the growth of Hindi literature.
Earlier, Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour, in her welcome address, extended greetings on Hindi Diwas and highlighted its historical significance, noting that Hindi was adopted as India’s official language on 14 September 1949. She also underlined the Academy’s ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Hindi alongside the region’s other languages.
During the academic session, Prof. Chanchal Dogra presented a paper on the contemporary status of Hindi, its relevance in education, technology, and administration, and its role in fostering cultural harmony. Dr. Nirmal Vinod spoke on Hindi’s literary traditions, emphasizing the need to preserve its classical heritage while embracing modern creative expressions.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, followed by the felicitation of guests. Dr. Chanchal Sharma, Editor of Hindi JKAACL, rendered a soulful Saraswati Vandana to invoke divine blessings.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sonali Arun Gupta, Additional Secretary JKAACL, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, speakers, writers, media, and the audience.
