Page 41 - NIS English 16-31,March 2023

World Hindi Conference International

World Hindi Conference
for the first time in Fiji

n Diplomatic relations between India and Fiji
alongwith cultural connection is very strong

n Under a contract from India, thousands of
labourers were taken to Fiji 143 years ago to
work in the sugarcane fields. At that time Fiji
and India were under British rule.
n The people taken to Fiji were mostly from Uttar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. The Hindi
of Fiji shows the influence of the Awadh region.
Today's generation of those Indians settled in
Fiji takes pride in their Indian heritage.
n The advent of Hindi in Fiji is believed to
be between 1879 and 1916. Due to Indian
ancestors, Hindi has maintained its special
place here.

n Hindi language is not only taught here
in primary, and secondary schools, and
universities, but it also has the status of
31 countries in 10 academic sessions. The status official language in Fiji's constitution.
of Hindi in Fiji and the Pacific region and Girmitiyas n According to the United Nations (2020), Fiji has
countries and the impact of information technology, a population of about 8,96,000, and more than
artificial intelligence, cinema, and literature on Hindi 30 percent of them are of Indian origin.
were discussed at the conference. Foreign Minister
Dr S Jaishankar Speaking at the inauguration of
the conference, said, “Today the increasing number Contribution of the World Hindi
of Hindi speakers in different geographical areas Conference in the promotion of
is a testimony to the globalization of Hindi. This the Hindi language
ceremony shows that language is not only an
expression of identity but also a medium to connect
India and other countries. When the world sees the n The World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius and
the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi
confluence of language and culture, then it is good University in Wardha were established.
for the welfare of the world."
Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar stressed, “the n World Hindi Day is organized globally on 10
January every year.
era when progress was equated with Westernisation
is over. Many languages and traditions that were n Establishment of Hindi Chairs in many
suppressed during the colonial era are once again countries of the world, the continuous use
finding their voice on the global stage. In such a of Hindi in the information broadcasting
system of the United Nations is increasing.
situation, it is necessary that the world should have
good knowledge about all cultures and societies. n The conferences are further strengthening
Therefore, it is very important to broaden the teaching India's ties with the Indian Diaspora and
and use of various Indian languages including Hindi." People of Indian Origin.

New India Samachar March 16-31, 2023 39