Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) celebrated Hindi Diwas under the Hindi Fortnight with great enthusiasm. The event was inaugurated by the Institute’s Director, Prof. Himanshu Rai, and witnessed the presence of distinguished Hindi language experts who shared their insights on the language’s rich tradition, contemporary relevance, and future possibilities.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Rai emphasized IIM Indore’s commitment to promoting Indian languages, particularly Hindi. He said that while a country is shaped by its population and demography, it is culture that builds a nation and gives it its true identity, and at the heart of this culture lies language. Quoting scriptures, he noted that language has been accorded the status of a mother. Just as a mother nurtures and sustains life, language preserves and strengthens civilization. He emphasized that Hindi should be embraced with pride rather than hesitation, as education in one’s mother tongue accelerates knowledge and understanding. Prof. Rai urged everyone to pledge to protect and preserve Indian languages.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion on the theme “Hindi Journalism: Challenges and Opportunities.” The panel comprised Shri Nitishwar Kumar, IAS, Additional Secretary, Government of India; Shri Jai Prakash Pandey, Editor of Sahitya Tak and Sahitya Aajtak at the TV Today/India Today Group; and Prof. (Dr.) Vartika Nanda, Head of the Journalism Department at Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Rai.
Shri Jai Prakash Pandey stated that the greatest strength of Hindi journalism today lies in social media, which has provided every segment of society the opportunity to express themselves. He noted that Hindi, supported by other Indian languages, is reaching a wider audience through translations and digital platforms. While the government has made efforts to promote Hindi, he emphasized that the real test lies in how widely the language is actually used. Simplification is necessary for clarity of communication, he added, but it must be done without compromising the richness of the language.
Shri Nitishwar Kumar highlighted the scientific foundation and cultural depth of Hindi. He explained that the Hindi alphabets and letters are deeply connected to life and culture, and that knowledge of Sanskrit makes learning other languages easier. He described Hindi’s role through literature and cinema as instrumental in shaping national identity, and noted that Hindi has absorbed influences from many civilizations, thereby enriching itself.
Prof. Vartika Nanda emphasized that the true strength of Hindi lies in the people of India, and the ones who speak Hindi. Once considered secondary to foreign languages, Hindi has proven itself over time and created new opportunities. She said that simplification is not always necessary, and that richness matters more. She expressed concern over careless mixing of languages, and stated that Hindi’s real power lies in preserving its dignity and cultural honor.
On this occasion, the tenth issue of the Institute’s Hindi magazine Gyaan Shikhar was released by the esteemed guests. The issue featured research articles, poems, essays, and creative expressions by members of the IIM Indore community, and was widely appreciated by all present.
Winners of the various competitions organized under the Hindi Fortnight were also felicitated at the event. These competitions provided students and staff with an opportunity to showcase their talent in Hindi writing, debates, and poetry recitation. The Rajbhasha Department also presented a review of the use of Hindi at the Institute and suggested measures for further increasing its application in the future.
The entire event created an atmosphere filled with pride for the Hindi language and its vitality. The panel discussion gave the audience a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Hindi journalism.