“Creators from non-Hindi-speaking areas, such as Kashmir, have contributed immensely to Hindi, making it a symbol of our unity in diversity”
Jammu : Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, delivered a speech emphasizing the unifying role of Hindi and the cultural diversity of India at a cultural event hosted in Jammu.
The event, which brought together dignitaries, poets, and students from various linguistic backgrounds, celebrated India’s rich heritage and promoted the significance of Hindi as a language that binds the nation.
Sinha began by acknowledging prominent attendees, including Pradhan Dhanidhyasak of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, and other esteemed figures from the Jammu Kashmir Academy of Arts, Culture, and Language.
He praised their efforts in preserving the region’s cultural diversity and promoting inter-regional unity.
Sinha outlined two primary objectives of the gathering: fostering greater cultural exchange between regions and promoting the Hindi language and literature, particularly among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This initiative will strengthen unity and our common cultural values, bringing diverse communities closer together,” Sinha remarked according to KNS correspondent.
He expressed hope that the program would serve as a platform to inspire young people to embrace Hindi and contribute to India’s rich linguistic tapestry.
Reflecting on India’s journey since independence, Sinha acknowledged the contributions of non-Hindi-speaking regions, like Kashmir, to the promotion of Hindi.
He highlighted how creators in these regions have played a key role in promoting the language, despite it not being their mother tongue. “In the past 77 years, creators from non-Hindi-speaking areas, such as Kashmir, have contributed immensely to Hindi, making it a symbol of our unity in diversity,” he said according to KNS correspondent.
Sinha invoked India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, quoting Gurudev’s metaphor of India as a vast ocean that encompasses various cultures, languages, and traditions.
He emphasized the role of Hindi as a binding force that connects different linguistic communities across India, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.
Turning his attention to Kashmir’s literary contributions, Sinha spoke about the region’s rich history, from ancient texts like Rajatarangini to more recent literary works in Urdu, Persian, and Dogri.
He expressed gratitude for the Kashmir Hindi Parishad’s role in advancing Hindi education in the region, starting in 1965, under the leadership of Gulaam Muhammad Mukhtar.
Sinha also praised the works of scholars like Dr. Mohini Kaul, who studied the spiritual poetry of Yogini Lal Ded and Kabir Das, noting how their writings reflect a deep connection between the mind and the divine.
He highlighted how Kabir’s message, though conveyed in simple language, has profound spiritual and cultural resonance across India.
Concluding his speech, Sinha expressed optimism that the ongoing three-day cultural event would deepen understanding and appreciation of India’s diverse heritage, particularly among the youth.
He thanked the organizers, including the Faculty of Culture and Education, for their efforts in promoting Hindi and fostering cultural awareness.
In his final remarks, Sinha offered an inspiring message to the students, urging them to draw inspiration from the life and works of great figures like Kabir Das.
“Kabir Das was uneducated, yet his words have inspired generations. I believe our young people can follow in his footsteps and contribute to India’s bright future,” Sinha said, encouraging the students to make their mark on the nation’s cultural and literary landscape.
