Shanghai and Nepal celebrate World Hindi Day
BEIJING, Jan 11: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the Indian Consulate in Shanghai celebrated World Hindi Day with vibrant cultural and educational programmes, highlighting the global reach and significance of the Hindi language.
In Kathmandu, the Embassy hosted events at Lainchaur on Saturday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message was read out by Charge d’Affaires Rakesh Pandey.
The programme featured recitations of Hindi poems, dances, and devotional bhajans performed by students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, and Kantibhairav Gurukul, who began the event with hymns from the Sama Veda.
Distinguished guests, including Nisha Sharma of the Nepal Music and Drama Academy, former Nepalese ambassador to India Rambhakta Thakur, Tribhuvan University Sanskrit Department chairman Narayan Prasad Gautam, and litterateur Usha Thakur, were honoured for their contributions.
The celebrations in Shanghai involved students and teachers of Hindi from top universities in eastern China, including Fudan University, Shanghai International Studies University, and East China Normal University.
The Consul General of India, Pratik Mathur, emphasized that Hindi serves as a cultural bridge, connecting people across borders and conveying India’s values, sensitivity, and thought globally.
Cultural performances were an important part of the event, with children from the Shanghai Theatre Academy presenting showcases and a Bharatanatyam performance adding traditional Indian flair.
Students and teachers shared creative works and reflections, underscoring the growing interest in Hindi studies at Chinese universities.
The events in both Kathmandu and Shanghai were attended by members of the Indian diaspora, local students, educators, and the diplomatic community, highlighting the language’s international appeal
Overall, the celebrations reinforced Hindi’s role not just as a language but as a medium for cultural exchange, learning, and strengthening ties between India and the world. (Agencies)
