- Hindi Fortnight observed at IIM Indore from September 1-14, 2021
- Prize distribution for the winners held on this occasion
Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) observed the Hindi Fornight (Hindi Pakhwada) from September 01-14, 2021. The valedictory event of the fortnight was conducted on September 14, 2021 on the occasion of Hindi Diwas. Dr. Gulab Kothari, Editor-in-Chief, Rajasthan Patrika was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore presided over the event.
Prof. Himanshu Rai shared his thoughts on the significance of the Hindi language. He noted that there’s a difference between a nation and a country. A country has a geographical land mass, people and sovereignty; while the nation has a fourth element added to it – the culture. This is the foundation on which we should generate a fresh, just and a vibrant world, and language is the underpinning for the culture. ‘Just the way our mother nurtures us, feeds us and makes us what we are; our mother tongue also shapes our identity and defines our purpose. We need to introspect and comprehend what would happen if we didn’t have the mother tongue, or if we lose the language since no one talks in it anymore. Our mother tongue is dependent on Sanskrit. Since we don’t have people who converse in Sanskrit, it has become a ‘subject’ now. Let’s ensure that our Hindi language doesn’t disappear, for it’s the soul which ensures our culture’s existence. Let us keep conversing in Hindi more often, appreciate it and also the other regional languages- for we may not live in history, but if we lose the history we belong to, our existence would also perish’, he said.
Dr. Gulab Kothari shared his thoughts on ‘The History of Hindi and its Future’. He noted that Hindi shouldn’t be treated as a subject to be studied, for it’s the substance of our being. We should emphasize on the positive thoughts, look towards the optimistic side and not try to copy other cultures; by ensuring that we are able to appreciate the cause of our existence. ‘Reading enriching ancient literature, gaining knowledge from that and accepting the cause of our existence would help us rejuvenate and invigorate ourselves’, he said. He noted that Hindi is one of the most powerful languages and conversing in Hindi or our regional language strengthens and fortifies our bond with the language. ‘Let us pledge to find out the purpose of our existence, for the aim and the goals one has support them move on in life. Money, designation or power doesn’t help us when in need. It’s the willpower and your determination which helps you accomplish goals and achieve the life you desire and wish to live’, he said. He mentioned that we are like the seedling which when sowed in the ground, becomes a tree – a tree which provides fruits to others. ‘Similarly, once you are able to find your goal and purpose in your life, be down to earth, nurture yourself with the help of your culture, grow into a bigger person and only then will you be able to contribute to the nation building by serving the people around you’, he concluded.On this occasion, the sixth edition of the IIM Indore’s in-house Annual Hindi Magazine Gyaan Shikhar was also released. The book contains various interesting and insightful articles, stories and poetries by the faculty, staff and students at the Institute. The magazine also has sketches and articles by the family members and children of the faculty and staff.
This was followed by an insightful question and answers session wherein Prof. Rai asked several questions to Dr. Kothari about his life, his exceptional work experience and his journey through journalism. The audience also got a chance to interact with Dr. Kothari on this occasion.
Two competitions namely Noting & Drafting and Antakshari were also conducted during the Hindi Pakhwada. The winners received the prizes on Hindi Diwas. The staff members who coordinated and contributed in the smooth conduct of the Hindi Pakhwada were also felicitated.
During the Hindi Pakhwada, a Vernacular Languages Corner was also inaugurated in the IIM Indore Learning Centre on September 13, 2021, by Prof. Rai. The corner aims to offer books written in various regional languages and encourage the community to learn and read the literature belonging to various Indian languages. Currently the corner has around 2000 books in Kannad, Hindi, Malyalam, Bengali, Urdu, Marathi and Gujarati languages.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks.
IIM Indore stands firm on its mission statement to remain socially conscious and contribute to the nation building, and Hindi language plays an important role in this. The Institute ensures using bilingual text for all sorts of communications.