Prof. Rai underlined the need to guide society, culture, and the nation itself by incorporating the knowledge found in Indian languages into our lives. He urged everyone, even those unfamiliar with Hindi, to make an effort to speak and preserve it, along with all Indian languages. He explained that speaking these languages helps to connect people and maintain unity, emphasizing that Indian languages are essential for keeping the nation united. “Treat your language with the same respect and care as your mother, as it nourishes and shapes your identity just like a mother nurtures her child”, he said.
This year’s celebration featured an engaging panel discussion titled “Digital Age of Media and Hindi Journalism.” The discussion was enriched by the insights of distinguished panelists including Mr. Brajesh Kumar Singh, Group Editor – Integration & Convergence at Network 18; Mr. Prabhash Jha, Editor of Indian Languages at Hindustan Times Digital; Mr. Panini Anand, Group Editor – TV9 Digital at TV9 Bharatvarsh; and Mr. Rajesh Upadhyay, Editor-in-Chief & Executive President of Jagran New Media. The session was expertly moderated by Prof. Himanshu Rai, who facilitated a deep dive into how Hindi journalism is adapting to and thriving in the digital age.
Mr. Brajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the role of Hindi writers in preserving and promoting the language. He highlighted that Hindi authors not only gave new direction to literature but also played a significant role in shaping the language itself. He observed that the language of literature differs from the colloquial Hindi we see in films, which has evolved over time. “The increasing use of Hindi in the digital sphere won’t eclipse other Indian languages; rather, it will encourage their growth”, he said. As India approaches the threshold of overtaking China in terms of internet users, the digital expansion is set to boost the use of Hindi, alongside other regional languages, he added.
Mr. Panini Anand, reflected on the deep historical connection between Hindi journalism and literature, remarking that “Sahitya (literature) is the birthplace of journalism.” He explained that journalism emerged from the rich tradition of literature and that, historically, Hindi journalism carried the essence of literature. However, he noted that today’s journalism lacks the literary depth it once had. “The digital boom, especially accelerated by the pandemic, has transformed the landscape of language consumption”, he said. While the language of journalism has changed over the years, the demand for content in diverse languages will only increase, indicating a more linguistically diverse future, he said.
Mr. Prabhash Jha shed light on the importance of clarity in communication and the need for Hindi journalism to retain its connection with literature. He pointed out that the earlier era of journalism was deeply influenced by Hindi writers and thinkers. According to him, literature forms the foundation of language and communication, and it is crucial that Hindi journalism continues to evolve in a way that makes it accessible to readers unfamiliar with the language. “Language is constantly influenced by cultural shifts, including travel and migration, which impact vocabulary and pronunciation”, he said. Digital media may not change the essence of the language, but it does influence how it is consumed and adapted, he mentioned.
Mr. Rajesh Upadhyay focused on the transformative power of digital journalism, calling it the future. He described language as both a science and an art, with writing being an art and understanding it as a science. Despite the rise of digital platforms, he pointed out that many still consume information in Hindi, and its relevance remains intact. While digital journalism has introduced significant changes in the way content is delivered, the foundation of strong journalism, he argued, is still rooted in literature. He also emphasized that while profits in Hindi journalism may fluctuate, the increasing literacy rates ensure its continuous relevance.
The panel collectively agreed that while the digital age presents challenges, it also provides opportunities to expand the reach of Hindi, ensuring its role as a vital force in shaping India’s future cultural and linguistic landscape.
In addition to the panel discussion, the celebration included the launch of the Annual Hindi Magazine “Gyaan Shikhar,” featuring insightful contributions from the IIM Indore community. Winners of the Antakshari competition conducted during the Hindi Fortnight were awarded, adding a competitive and festive spirit to the occasion.
The successful celebration of Hindi Diwas and the associated activities underscore IIM Indore’s dedication to preserving and promoting Hindi and our Indian languages.