To ensure a high quality of discussion over Hindi education around the world
Our Bureau
New York, NY
On July 20th, The Consulate General of India in New York held a curtain raiser event for the 5th International Hindi Conference scheduled to be held on October 20 and 21st at the NY Consulate General.
“It is not about promoting Hindi, it is about promoting India’s culture around the world,” Dr. Varun Jeff, the Deputy Consul General said at the pre-launch event.
“We consider all Indian languages very important for the progress of our nations. However, Hindi commands a special place in the Indian Diaspora and it must be supported by all people of Indian origin. Honorable Randhir Jaiswal, the Consul General, is the advisor of this conference. We are committed to making this conference a grand success,” he added.
He was all in praise for the efforts made by the Hindi Sangam Foundation, the organizing body of the conference, for teaming up with leading US universities, like New York University, Michigan State University, and a number of educational and cultural organizations including The World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius, Shikshayatan, New York and more. “I am sure it will ensure a high quality of discussions over Hindi education around the world during the conference,” DCG Jeff said.
Ashok Ojha, the Coordinator of the conference said, “We encourage everyone interested in the promotion of Hindi as a world language, to participate in the conference.” The main idea is to create a road map for moving forward in teaching Hindi as a heritage language and a foreign language in countries other than India.
For free registration, just submit a form, published on the conference website. “One can also submit his/her proposal using the link on the site on the theme – Innovations in Hindi Instruction – to be evaluated by an Academic Committee headed by Prof Gabriela Nik Ilieva, NYU,” Ojha added.
“We want to reach out to the Indian-American community in order to convey the importance of promoting the Hindi language through education,” said Purnima Desai, chairperson of the Hindi Sangam Foundation. “Today we are enjoying the friendly relationship between India and the US. It is natural that our language and culture should be promoted vigorously in this country,” she added.
It was emphasized that the new generation of Indian-Americans must learn the language and culture of India, especially Hindi, to stay in connection with their native roots and enjoy events like Kavi Sammelan being organized at this conference.
The Government of India was urged to consider building a Hindi Center in the New York metropolitan area on similar lines as cultural centers in France, Japan, and other countries.
