SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the youth at the event “Hindi Rangmanch – Humari Bhasha, Humari Pehchaan” organized by Wadies Hindi Shiksha Samiti at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.
In his address, the LG lauded the Samiti’s outstanding efforts in promoting Hindi, the official language, across Jammu and Kashmir.
“In the last 75 years, Hindi has emerged as a language that unites the country and reflects our shared culture. During the freedom struggle, it was the medium through which the sentiments of the entire nation were expressed. Hindi is not only a tool of communication but also a symbol of pride, integrity, unity, and identity for all Indians. Our policymakers emphasized that harmony between Hindi and other languages is essential,” he said.
Highlighting India’s linguistic diversity, the LG noted that 453 languages are officially spoken in the country, with Hindi serving as a unifying link for 140 crore people. He encouraged the youth to uphold linguistic harmony, learn, and respect other languages.
“Along with Hindi, we must take pride in all our languages. Beyond our mother tongues, learning other languages helps us preserve and promote their cultural and literary heritage,” he added.
Referring to the Constituent Assembly discussion on 14 September 1949 regarding the selection of India’s official language, the LG recalled that Hindi received widespread support even from regions where it was not the native language. “For our freedom fighters and policymakers, Hindi was closely linked to the nation’s identity. They saw it as a thread of unity that enriched our cultural diversity,” he said.
The LG also appreciated the initiatives of the Culture Department and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in promoting the region’s linguistic heritage.
On the occasion, the LG felicitated students, teachers, and artists for their exemplary participation in a campaign conducted by Wadies Hindi Shiksha Samiti between June and July this year in four Kendriya Vidyalayas, which aimed to spark students’ interest in Hindi through various activities for classes 6th to 10th.
Among those present were Principal Secretary Culture Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Param Vir Chakra recipient (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Yadav, MD & CEO J&K Bank Shri Amitava Chatterjee, Deputy Commissioner KVS Jammu Shri Nagendra Goyal, National President Wadies Hindi Shiksha Samiti Ms. Nasreen Ali Nidhi, senior officials, literary personalities, educational heads, and a large gathering of youth.
