Hindi Month Inaugurated at IIAS; Meaningful Deliberations on the Importance, Relevance, and Practicality of Hindi
The Hindi Month was inaugurated today at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla. The programme, held in the Institute’s Seminar Hall, featured meaningful deliberations on various aspects related to the importance of the Hindi language, its relationship with folk languages, its practicality, and its relevance in the changing social and technological context. Fellows, officials, and employees of the Institute participated in the programme.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Director of the Institute, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by Dr Akhilesh Pathak, Secretary, Official Language. He stated that Hindi is not merely a medium of communication but also a living language through which ideas, experiences, emotions, and cultural memories are expressed. He emphasised the need for continued reflection on the nature, use, and utility of Hindi in the changing social, technological, and communication environment. He also highlighted the need to view Hindi within the broader Indian linguistic landscape encompassing folk languages and dialects.
As part of the series of deliberations, Dr Mukesh Kumar, Fellow, spoke on the topic “Importance of the Hindi Language.” He highlighted various social, cultural, and linguistic dimensions of Hindi and discussed its role in the contemporary context.
This was followed by Dr Anuradha Raturi, Fellow, who spoke on “Hindi and Folk Languages.” She highlighted the interrelationship between Hindi and folk languages and underlined the significance of India’s linguistic diversity. Folk languages were also discussed as important repositories of the cultural memories, traditions, and lived experiences of local communities.
Professor Sanjay Bhatt, Fellow, spoke on “Practicality of Hindi: Challenges and Solutions.” He discussed various aspects related to the practical use of Hindi and deliberated upon the challenges associated with its use in official work, administration, education, communication, and the changing technological environment, along with possible approaches towards addressing them.
Dr Brijendra Pandey also presented his views during the programme and contributed to the discussion on contemporary contexts and various dimensions associated with the Hindi language.
In his Presidential Address, Director of the Institute Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi spoke about Hindi and the broader history of Indian languages, while also highlighting its relevance in the contemporary context and the need for its wider and effective use. He emphasised that a language should not be confined merely to formal occasions but should have a sustained presence in everyday use and practice. He also underlined the need for Hindi to remain in continuous dialogue with changing times, emerging technologies, and contemporary knowledge discourse.
The ideas presented by the speakers on various dimensions of the Hindi language provided an opportunity for meaningful deliberations on the use of Hindi at the Institute, its practicality, and its role in the changing times.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Meenu Agrawal, followed by Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.
As part of Hindi Month, various Hindi competitions and activities will also be organised at the Institute. As per the scheduled programme, these will include an Essay Competition, Self-Composed Poetry Recitation, Hindi Typing, Translation Competition, Noting and Drafting, Debate Competition, and Quiz. In addition, original noting and drafting on files will be reviewed for the assessment of official work being carried out in Hindi. An exhibition of material related to the Hindi language and an exhibition of Hindi books will also be organised.
Annual Sports Competitions Also Inaugurated at IIAS
As part of the day’s activities, the Annual Sports Competitions of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study were also inaugurated today by Director Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi. As in previous years, the sports competitions are being organised at the Sports Complex (Sports Club) of the Institute. Fellows, Fellows, Associate Fellows, officials, and employees of the Institute have been included in the participation framework for the competitions.
Various competitions are being organised for different categories as part of the Annual Sports Competitions. As per the programme, men’s events will commence from 7 September, women’s events will be held on 12 September, and competitions for children in the 5–17 years age group will be held on 13 September.
The sports competitions are being organised with the objective of promoting sportsmanship, healthy competition, participation, and a sense of community among members of the Institute. Alongside academic and intellectual activities, sports and related activities play an important role in creating a more active and participatory institutional environment.
Thus, the day marked the commencement of activities at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study on two important fronts—linguistic and intellectual engagement through the inauguration of Hindi Month, and sports and collective participation through the inauguration of the Annual Sports Competitions. The forthcoming Hindi Month programmes and sports competitions will provide opportunities for a range of academic, linguistic, cultural, and sporting activities at the Institute in the days ahead.
