Hindi Diwas 2026

Good morning all. This is a housekeeping request. Before we call the house to order, may we request all our distinguished guests to keep their mobile phones on silence mode, please. Devyo or Sajono? Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Our heartfelt greetings to you all on the Hindi Divas event today. We are honored to have amongst us today the high level parliamentary delegation from India led by his Excellency, Mr. Chandra Prakash Joshi, honorable member of parliament. To begin the Hindi Divas event program, I request permanent representative of India, his Excellency, Ambassador P. Harish, to give his opening remarks. Sir, the floor is yours, please.

Thank you, Srinivas. At the outset, I take the opportunity to warmly welcome members of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation and all my colleague ambassadors who are here, members of the diplomatic community, supporters of Hindi who are here. Warm welcome to you all. This is one annual event that brings us all together and I warmly welcome you to this. This is a language that binds us, this is a language which reminds us of our culture, it binds us together. Thank you very much for your presence. I'll deliver my remarks in Hindi and you may use the interpretation.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, language enthusiasts, Namaskar and greetings. It is a great honor to speak on the occasion of Hindi Divas. The Permanent Mission of India has organized the Hindi Divas event at United Nations Headquarters for the first time in 2024, and we are pleased to continue this meaningful tradition. Hindi Divas commemorates the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as an official language of the Union of India. It is an occasion to celebrate Hindi's important place in our public life while also reaffirming our respect for India's extraordinary linguistic diversity. Dear friends, as you all know, India is multilingual and multicultural civilization. With 22 languages recognized in the Constitution and thousands of dialects, our linguistic diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Hindi serves as a widely understood medium of communication across many parts of our country and for millions, as a bridge among diverse regions, communities and cultures. Hindi is also the third largest spoken language in the world. Hindi language's reach also extends beyond the borders of India. Our diaspora, literature, cinema, and digital platforms have helped carry the language to audiences across the world. It has become an important vehicle for sharing India's ideas, stories, and cultural heritage globally. As the Union Minister, Shri Amit Shah observed on Hindi Divas this year, Language is most meaningful when it connects rather than divides the people and their culture. He underlined the importance of mother tongue and encouraged learning another Indian language as a way of advancing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. His message that India may speak many languages, but its collective spirit remains one, resonates deeply with us. In the Hindi Shabd Sindhhu, a Hindi digital dictionary, more than 50,000 words from Indian languages were added, thus making it more flexible and inclusive. As a part of promoting Hindi, the Government of India has developed a database of more than 50 million sentences. to the bilingual translation software developed for Hindi and English users. This will work as a verbal interface with foreign tourists coming to India. Dear friends, India has consistently supported multilingualism at the United Nations and has co-sponsored resolutions on this subject. India has voluntarily supports the Hindi@UN project which makes UN news and information available to Hindi-speaking audiences worldwide. The Government of India has renewed the relevant Memorandum of Understanding for a further five years, ensuring that uninterrupted dissemination of UN news in Hindi. We thank the Department of Global Communications for its effort in expanding Hindi's global reach. In the recently adopting multilingualism resolution, Hindi has continued to retain a non-official language status on account of DGC's transmission of news and social media in this language. I also warmly appreciate everyone who participated in the competitions organized by the Permanent Mission of India. Congratulations to today's winners. May you continue to learn. use and promote Hindi while valuing every language that enriches our shared human family. Thank you.

I request his Excellency Mr. C.P. Joshi, Honorable Member of Parliament, to share his thoughts on Hindi Day with us. Mr. Joshi is a three-time member of Parliament from the constituency of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. He is presently serving as the chairperson, Committee on Petitions, and as a member on the Committee on Energy. Sir, the floor is yours.

Pavan, a representative of India, Ambassador, Harris Prabhakarneni, my esteemed colleagues from the Parliament of India, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic community, United Nations officials, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, namaskar. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to you all on the occasion of Hindi Divas organized by India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. This event marks to celebrate the soul of India, its culture, and its vibrant expression, Hindi. As you may be aware, Hindi is not merely a language of communication; it is a medium for our emotions, experiences, and shared identity. In a diverse India, it serves as a bridge for dialogue and a sense of kinship among various regions and communities. India is a multilingual and multicultural civilization. All of languages and dialects constitute our collective heritage. The 22 languages recognized by the Constitution and the countless dialects comprise India's strength. Hindi is a vital part of this rich linguistic family and ranks among the most widely spoken and understood languages in the world. In this context, On the occasion of Hindi Divas, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah placed special emphasis on respecting mother tongue and the interconnectedness of Indian languages. He noted that when an individual thinks, analyses, and creates in their mother tongue, the outcome is far more impactful. He also encouraged learning one additional Indian language, linking it to the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat, One India, Great India. This message is highly relevant. There may be many languages, our sentiment must be Indian and Our voice must be united. Today, Hindi is carving a niche for itself across the globe, extending far beyond India's borders. It is studied and used in countries like Mauritius, Nepal, Suriname, Fiji, and Guyana, among many others. The World Hindi Secretariat plays a pivotal role in promoting and propagating the language. Hindi is also taught in prestigious universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations. The Indian diaspora, along with literature, cinema, music, and digital media, has taken Hindi to a global audience. Hindi played a pivotal role in uniting people during India's freedom struggle. Slogans such as "Vande Matram" and "Jai Hind" awakened a sense of national consciousness among the masses. Even today, Hindi literature, music, cinema, and art showcases India's diverse culture to the world. India is a multi-ethnic, multicultural and multilingual state. Domestically, our educational policy supports learning additional languages up to pre-university levels. Learning two different languages than the mother tongue helps in creating a strong multilingual workforce that is capable of adapting quickly to new geographies. In order to promote Hindi, the Government of India has signed agreement with the Department of Global Communication in 2018 to publicize the United Nations news in Hindi. Government of India has been voluntarily contributing resource for the continuance of the project to promote the language. In 2025, the MOU has been renewed for a further period of five years. Over the period of time, the project has increased It's scope from traditional news to social media and attracting the youth to follow the United Nations news in all. Through the Hindi at UN project, UN news and content are being made accessible to Hindi speakers. We thank the UN Department of Global Communications for partnering with us in this project. India has consistently advocated for multilingualism at the United Nations. India has taken a lead role in supporting the multilingual resolutions in United Nations. In conclusion, I would simply like to say that a language is not merely a collection of words. It embodies the emotions and of heart and consciousness of our culture. Let us honor not only Hindi, but all of India's language and pledge to take them to the global stage. Warm wishes and thank you.

Of the day. Now, we request the permanent appointee to of Jamaica, his excellency Mister Brian Christopher Manley Velis to give his speech. Thank you. Sir, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much. Uh honorable members of parliament. Uh my dear friend Haresh. Excellencies, it is really an not only to appreciate a language of such extraordinary depth and cultural significance, but also to reflect on the enduring friendship between Jamaica and India, a relationship shaped by history, preserved by shared values, and strengthened by vibrant cooperation. For Jamaica, Hindi carries a special resonance. Our connection to India is not abstract. It is woven into the fabric of our society. Beginning in 1845, thousands of Indians, including my own great grandparents and one grandparent, journeyed to Jamaica, bringing with them their languages, traditions, and cultural expressions. Hindi and other linguistic forms became part of the lived experience of our people. Over generations, these influences enriched Jamaican music, cuisine, religious life, and many elements of our own vocabulary. They helped shape the multicultural identity that Jamaicans proudly embrace today, and which is reflected in our national motto, out of many, one people. This historical bond has matured into a modern partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations. India has been a steadfast development partner to Jamaica. Supporting capacity building, digital transformation, health cooperation, and climate resilience. Our collaboration bilaterally, within the Commonwealth, within the Group of 77 and China, here at the United Nations, and in other fora, reflects a common commitment to fairness, sovereignty, development, and the pursuit of global peace. The Indian diaspora in Jamaica continues to serve as a bridge between our nations, contributing to commerce and industry, culture, and public life. Hindi Day, therefore, offers Jamaica an opportunity to honor not only a language, but a legacy of connection. Hindi embodies values that resonate deeply with Jamaicans. Resilience, community, and the belief that identity is strengthened, not diminished, by diversity. Its philosophical traditions remind us of the importance of duty, compassion, and harmony. principles that align closely with Jamaica's own national ethos. As we continue to deepen our engagement with India, including through South-South cooperation and cultural exchange, we recognize that linguistic literacy enhances diplomacy and strengthens partnership. So today we celebrate Hindi Day, and I can reaffirm Jamaica's respect for India's linguistic heritage and its appreciation for the contributions of Hindi to global culture. We also reaffirm our commitment to multilingualism, to cultural dialogue, continuing collaboration here at the UN, and the strengthening of ties between our peoples. May this occasion inspire us to continue building bridges between nations, between cultures, and between generations. And may the spirit of Hindi with its openness, resilience, and humanity, continue to illuminate the friendship between Jamaica, India, and all the peoples of the world. I thank you.

We thank the Honourable, the Permanent Representative of Jamaica for his warm sentiment and for giving his overview of the multilingual and multicultural aspects of life in Jamaica, including the historical connection. Thank you so much. We now request the permanent appointee to of Maldives, his excellency, mister Ali Nazir Muhammad to share his thoughts kindly. Sir, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Good morning to all. Good morning, Harish for inviting me. Members of the parliament, and excellencies, very good morning to you all. I will start with a story. Way back in 1990, I was posted in the Maldives Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. And one of the more glamorous duties that I had was clipping newspaper stories about the Maldives that are published in Sri Lankan newspapers. And I remember in 1990, November, one of the front page headlines in one of the newspapers was, if I remember correctly, the most famous man in the Maldives visits the Maldives. And the first paragraph of this news story did not mention who that person was. And they kept on saying what that person was not. They started by saying that person is not the president of Maldives. It also said that person was not the most famous footballer in Maldives. Maldives is a football-crazy country. And then went on to say that Amitabh Bachchan visited the Maldives. Amitabh Bachchan at that time was a superstar, not only in India, but definitely in the Maldives. The newspaper was correct. He was the most famous man in the Maldives, not a Maldivian. The heading was correct, but the story there was even deeper. Maldivians love Hindi. But Hindi is still not taught in any school in the Maldives. We learn Hindi through culture, through connection, through listening, through radio, and various other forms of interaction that we have with India. Many Maldivians of my generation, their third language would definitely be Hindi. they are able to communicate. This is, by the way, not having any formal training in Hindi language. They are able to communicate, listen, and understand. Some of us probably learned a few dramatic Hindi lines before we even learned how to conjugate anything properly in that language. That is what makes Maldivian relationship with Hindi quite unusual. It was never simply a foreign language heard occasionally. It sounds expressions, songs, sometimes dialects in various parts of India, and sometimes entire stories being told in Hindi in the Maldives, in the tiny, tiny islands in the Maldives, and one of the islands is where I actually grew up. By the way, my understanding of Hindi is very, very poor. Hindi created its own bridge with the Maldives. Maldivians did not simply watch Indian stories. They understood and they continue to understand Hindi humor, emotions, affections, and the rhythm with which these stories are being told. Actually, there is a much wider and older connection between Hindi and the Maldives, and the language that we speak in the Maldives, which is called Dhivehi. Dhivehi and Hindi are both Indo-Aryan languages with roots reaching back to the ancient linguistic world represented by Sanskrit. Over centuries, they took a different path. Hindi, of course, developed on the subcontinent while Dhivehi developed across the islands on the Maldivian islands. So a modern connection with Hindi is cultural, but it also rests on an older linguistic kinship. That makes Hindi Divas especially meaningful for us. It celebrates a language that belongs deeply to India, while also reminding us of how language can travel far beyond borders and still create familiarity, attachment, and connection. Indian Ocean can be a very, very rough ocean, but for Hindi, it was very smooth to travel from mainland subcontinent to the islands in the Maldives. So Amitabh Bachchan's story is real about, and it's more than about the cinema. It's about the time that he arrived in the Maldives in 1990, long before, centuries before Hindi arrived in the Maldives. And we love Hindi. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. As the Permanent Representative of India has remarked, India has co-sponsored multilingualism resolution that was adopted in September 2026. The co-chair of the multilingualism resolution and Permanent Representative of Andorra, His Excellency Mr. John Fornar Rovira, is here to share his thoughts. Sir, the floor is yours, please.

Thank you very much for giving me the floor. Dear friend Harish, Honorable C.P. Joshi and members of the Parliament, dear colleagues. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm very honored to be welcomed in this family. Unfortunately, I will not make this statement in Hindi. I'll do it in English, that everybody understands. For Andorra, a country shaped by meeting of language, cultures, and traditions, we are a very tiny country in the middle of Pyrenees, and there's been a cross-border of a lot of civilizations, so we adopted everybody. The celebration of the Hindi Divas carries a particular meaning. Our national language is Catalan. while we French, Spanish, and Portuguese are also deeply present in our society, growing up and living in such a multilingual environment reminds us that language is not simply as a mean of communication, it's much more. This experience has taught us that language is much more than this means of communication. It's a way of expressing who we are, where we come from, and how we understand the world. This is also why multilingualism is so important to multilingual multilateralism. Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations calls upon us to promote international cooperation and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Language is essential to making that vision a reality. It allows people not only to communicate, but to participate, to understand, and to be heard. Within the United Nations, language is one of our most important tools of diplomacy. It helps us to find common ground, understand different perspectives, and work together despite our differences. As recognized in General Assembly Resolution 83110, multilingualism should be fully respected. This commitment is particularly important in a rapidly changing world as communication increasingly takes place across digital and physical borders. Linguistic diversity must remain a strength rather than become a barrier. If people cannot access information or participate in dialogue in the language they understand, an important part of their voice risks being left unheard. This is particularly true for young people who are not only the future of multilateralism, but already shaping it today. Language allows us to say not only what we think, but also how we feel, what we remember, and what we hope for. When we make space for another language, we make space for the people and cultures behind it. I believe this is a lesson Andorrans understand particularly well. Our own experience of multilingualism has taught us that languages can coexist, complement one another, and enrich a shared identity. You can speak different languages and we still share a common sense of belonging. We can have different cultural traditions and still work towards the same objectives. And this brings us to the importance of Hindi. Hindi carries a rich literary and cultural heritage and is spoken by hundreds of millions of people around the world. It's a language of education, creativity, cultural expression, and international engagement. Celebrating Hindi Divas, therefore, means celebrating not only a language, but also the people, histories, and traditions that it carries. As an Andorra. I see a strong connection between this celebration and our own experience. Our different languages do not prevent us from sharing a common identity. On the contrary, they enrich it. They remind us that diversity and unity are not opposites. They can strengthen one another. The United Nations should embody that same spirit. By breaking down linguistic barriers, we make diplomacy more inclusive, participation more meaningful, and multilateralism more representative. When we make space for another language, we also make space for the people. So on this Hindi Divas, let us celebrate Hindi and reaffirm our commitment to multilingualism, not simply as a matter of language, but as a foundation for inclusion, understanding and international cooperation. Because when every language has a platform, every community has a greater opportunity to be heard. And when every voice can be heard, our multilateral system becomes stronger, hence the UN, our home. Thank you.

We thank the PR of Andhra for his kind words. The Government of India has established the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Central Hindi Institute in Agra in 1961, where Hindi is taught for Indians as well as foreign students. Now we will see a brief video clip from such foreign students who have studied in Hindi. May we request the VGC to play?

मेरा नाम ज़बल हसन है और मैं नाईजीरिया का निवासी हूँ। मैं भारत सरकार का हृदय से धन्यवाद करता हूँ कि उन्होंने मुझे शैक्षणिक सत्र 2026-27 के लिए केन्द्रीय हिंदी संस्थान आग्रा में हिंदी में प्रविणता प्रमाण पत्र का अध्ययन करने हेतु छात्रवृत्ति प्रदान की। यह मेरे लिए बहुत सम्मान और खुशी की बात है। मैं मेहनत से पढ़ाई करूँगा aur apne desh ka ek acha pratinidhi banne ka prayas karunga. Vastav mein mujhe Bharat mein bharat acha lagta hai aur yaha sansthan mein hamare guruji hamey achi tarah se Hindi sikate hai aur asani se samjate hai aur hamey bahut dhyan rakhte hai. Is hone ke liye mujhe bharat acha lagta hai. अपनी पढ़ाई खत्म करने के बाद मैं अपने देश वापस जाकर लोगों को हिंदी सिखाऊंगा क्योंकि मेरे देश में बहुत लोग हैं जो हिंदी सीखना चाहते हैं। एक बार फिर भारत सरकार और केंद्रीय हिंदी संस्थान का दिल से धन्यवाद करता हूँ।.

Namaskar, mera naam Viara Geta Hung hai. Main Bulgaria se aati hoon. Main Sofia Vishwavidyalaya ke Bharat Vidya Vibhag ki chhatra hoon. Wahan par maine ek saal tak Hindi sikha tha. Yahan par bhi mere pradyapa ko ne Bharat Sarkar ke bare mein aur Kendra Hindi Sansthan ke bare mein bataya tha. uske baad kram me pravesh ke liye avedan kiya. Mujhe Bharat me Hindi sikna adhik pasand hai, kyunki hum sahitya aur bhasha vidyana, vidyana, keval Hindi me parthe hain. Uske alava, Agra Bharat ka ek sundar aur itihasi nagar hai. मुझे दर्शन में रुचि है, इसलिए मेरी इच्छा है कि भविष्य में मैं भारतीय दर्शन को हिंदी में पढ़ूं और मेरी मातृभाषा में भारतीय दर्शन का अनुवाद करूँ। मैं संतुष्ट हूँ कि मुझे केंद्र हिंदी संस्थान में.

Yaha Hindi sikhne ka acha mahol hai. Mein Germany mein sikhayi hui Hindi ko Bharat mein rakhkar aur behtar kar raha hoon. Mein Hindi sikhna chahata hoon, takhi Germany ko Hindi sahitya barava mile aur sinthi itahass ko anuvad kar sakun. Mein Shiksha Mantralaya evam Kendriya Hindi Sansthan ka chattravriti ke liye bohot dhanyawad.

Modi bahut si chizon ko alak dhan se dekhn. Hindi Sikh se modi bahut si chizon ko alak dhan se dekhn. Evam samjyan ka maukamil. Apne karyer ko achcha karte chahati hum. be yok sakkar apne desh me logon ko uske bare me kaun gi ye mauka dene ke liye main Bharat sakkar ka bahut bahut dhanyavaj karti hoon. Aasam biko Hindi divas ki hardik shukla naen.

Who is also a member of the parliamentary committee on official languages. Sir, may we request you to share your experiences in the committee, please. The floor is yours.

Head of the Indian Parliamentary Committee, Excellencies, parliamentarians, distinguished member of the permanent mission and invitees. Good morning to everyone. On the.

Occasion of Hindi Divas being celebrated at the United Nations, I extend my warm greetings to all of you. It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome you in my capacity as convener of a subcommittee of India's Parliamentary Committee on Official Language. As you all As you are all aware, India is a multilingual nation. Languages spoken in India include languages of everyday communication, mother tongue, state languages, and national language, and language of other nations. The linguistic diversity is a distinctive feature of India. Following our country's independence, Hindi was accorded a status of an official language. The Official Language Act was subsequently enacted in 1963 and it has been implemented across the country since 1976. Since then, the Union Home Minister has served as the chairperson of this committee, with various sub-committees functioning under the Minister's leadership. These subcommittees inspect the use of Hindi in official work across various central government departments. This important committee submits its reports to the Honorable President of India. I am currently serving as a convener of such subcommittee, and it gives me a great pleasure to share this information with you. All languages possess remarkable power to advance people's lives and enrich culture. A spoken language or mother tongue is not merely a collection of letters, words, and sentences; rather, it evokes feelings and emotions and binds us all together as a united community. Just as a nation's flag, constitution, national anthem, and laws are essential, its national language is equally important. In India, we follow the three-language formula. which includes the state language, the national language, and English. This formula is being effectively implemented. With India's progress, the reach and respect for Hindi language are growing across the world. Hindi Divas is also being celebrated at the United Nations, where Hindi has been accorded as important place. I extend my appreciation to the United Nations and officials of the Indian Embassy for these positive initiatives. The mother tongue of nation's citizens makes an invaluable contribution to the progress of that nation. All great leaders and thinkers have always emphasized the unparalleled importance of the mother tongue. Keeping this important fact in mind, Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Honorable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji have made provisions under the new education policy for primary education in every state to be imparted in the respective mother tongue. In conclusion, I thank you all for your presence at this Hindi Diwas celebrated at the United Nations. Thank you.

We now request the Permanent Representative of Mauritius, his excellency Mr. Milan Mitterbhan for his intervention.

Sir, the floor is yours please.

Excellencies,. us desh ke pratinidhi ke roop mein shamil hokar prasanth hain jahan Hindi.

In Ramcharitmanas.

As representative of a country where Hindi is the third main language and a country which is honored to host the World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius also has the privilege of hosting the World Ramayan Center with the Ramcharitmanas tradition having largely contributed to the study of Hindi in the country. One in every three Mauritians is of Indian origin. Many hailed mainly from the Hindi belt. The migrants who came to Mauritius from the mid 19th century spoke largely Bhojpuri, a language close to Hindi. But many Bhojpuri speakers migrated over the years to Shubh Hindi. Our ancestors, the early migrants, set up Baitkas, or evening schools, which became centers for learning for the children of laborers. These baidkas have played a significant role in maintaining Hindi as a language studied and spoken by several generations of Mauritians. Most of us are fifth generation Mauritians. My own ancestors came in 1870. But we are still closely attached to the Hindi language, and Hindi songs and movies are our daily staple. Hindi is taught from primary school to university. The language was brought in the mainstream education system at the primary level as early as 1954 and at the tertiary level in 1991. Today, Hindi is taught not only at the University of Mauritius, but also at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the Rabindranath Tagore Institute. In addition, the Hindi Pracharini Sabha has for many decades enabled students to brilliantly succeed in the Pravashika up to Uthama exams. We have in recent years had several Mauritian students studying Hindi at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in India. The Hindi Speaking Union, which was set up under an Act of Parliament as a statutory body, also promotes the Hindi language in the country. The idea of setting up a World Hindi Centre was mooted at the first World Hindi Conference in Nagpur India in 1975. Thereafter, with the strong commitment of the successive leaderships of India and Mauritius, the establishment of the World Hindi Secretariat became a reality in 1996. The contribution of the media, including the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, along with other private radio and TV channels, which broadcast news and various entertainment programs in Hindi, should also be recognized. Both radio and TV have several hours of Hindi programming every day. Daily news bulletins, sometimes up to three daily, on radio and TV are in Hindi. Talk show programs on radio where both the anchor and the callers speak Hindi are also very popular. Many Mauritian authors have published poems, novels and other books in Hindi. I want to mention one outstanding writer. His name was Habimanu Anand. He was a Mauritian poet, novelist, and essayist, writing largely in Hindi. He's best known for his 1977 novel, "Lal Pasina." "Lal Pasina" is a tribute to Indian laborers who toiled hard in the sugarcane fields and helped lay the foundation of modern Mauritius. Anand gave pride to what is known as "girmitya" literature. The major part of his writings reflect this underlying current of redressing of social, political, and economic domination. The term "grimmity" for those of you who are not familiar with it, hence grimmity, is used to refer to Indian laborers from India, to indentured laborers from India, who were recruited by the British authorities to work in some of their colonies. Mauritius is known as a multi-ethnic society which cherishes its rich cultural and linguistic diversity. This often enables the country to act as a bridge at the international level between geographic regions as well as between different language groups. We are proud that Hindi is part of this rich heritage and pleased to note that so many of our young generations are studying the language at the highest levels. This augurs well for the future of the language in the country. Let me conclude by saying that Hindi Divas is celebrated in Mauritius as well, with various institutions organising a number of events to mark the occasion. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. We are grateful for the unwavering support given to the promotion of Hindi in your country. Thank you. We now request the PR of Suriname, His Excellency Mr. Michael Orlando Kerpens, to kindly share a few words on the importance of multilingualism and the usage of Hindi in his country. Sir.

Honorable ministers of the delegation of Parliament of India, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, namaskar. It is a distinct honor to address this commemoration of Hindi Diwas here at the United Nations. Today, we celebrate not only a language, but also the history, culture, and human connections that the language carries across generations and across borders and continents. At the United Nations, where diversity is at the heart of our common purpose, the celebration of Hindi has a special meaning. Hindi represents communication, culture, and connection, and resonates with the timeless philosophy of Vasudeva Kutumbakam, "The world is one family." For Suriname, this celebration is particularly meaningful. Our connection to Hindi is rooted in the history of the Garibitea experience. Beginning in 1873, Indian and dangered labors arrived in Suriname. Many came from the regions of present day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bringing with them their languages, traditions, faith, and cultural heritage. Our generation languages as Bhojpuri and Awadhi interacted with other languages spoken in Suriname. From this interaction emerged Surnami Hindustani, which became an important expression of the identity of the Indo-Surinamese community. At the same time, standard Hindi, Sanskrit, continued to play an important role through religious ceremonies music, literature, and cultural traditions. Language became much more than a means of communication. It became a way to remember, to pray, to educate, to sing and dance, and most importantly, to contribute to the development of the new homeland. The Indo-Surinamese community has made an important contribution to the development of Suriname particularly in agriculture and rice cultivation, but also in trade, entrepreneurship, education, medicine, law, public service, politics, and the arts. Cultural traditions such as Phagwah and Diwali have also become part of the natural cultural life of Suriname. These contributions are not the achievements of one community alone. They are part of the story of Suriname as a nation. Suriname is a multilingual and multicultural society where people of different origins, religions and traditions live together while preserving their cultural identities. We believe that diversity is not a challenge to be managed. Diversity is an asset to be celebrated. This year, Suriname further affirmed this commitment through its first National Heritage Month, guided by the message, "However we came here, united we move forward." This message captures the essence of our national identity. We recognize the different histories that brought us together, while affirming that our future belongs to all of us. This year is also special for Suriname and India, as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Our relations have grown from historical people-to-people connections into a broad partnership based on mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation. We see considerable potential to further strengthen cultural exchanges, education, youth engagement, academic cooperation, and preservation of our shared heritage. As we celebrate Hindi Divas, let us therefore not only consider the past, but also the future. Let us ensure that our young people see language and heritage not simply as memories of previous generations, but as sources of identity, creativity, opportunity, and international friendship. For Suriname perspective, Hindi is more than a language of India. It is part of the living heritage of Suriname. It is a bridge between our peoples, a keeper of memory, and a reminder that diversity, when protected by freedom and mutual respect, can create harmony and progress. On this occasion, Suriname proudly stands with India and with the global Hindi-speaking community. We salute those generations who presented their language and culture across oceans and generations, and we reaffirm our commitment to Suriname's rich multilingual and multicultural character. May that legacy continue to inspire future generations towards unity, cultural pride, and international cooperation. In closing, I seize this opportunity to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mr. Satyanand Harold Pramsuk, Chairman of the Suriname Hindi Parishad, who has recently passed away. His tireless efforts to uplift our cultural heritage and building bridges of understanding will never be forgotten. He served his community with unmatched passion and integrity. His memory will continue to guide and inspire future generations. Thank you.

We thank the DPR of Sri Lanka for his kind remarks. Thank you, sir. May we now request the DPR of Guyana, Ambassador Trishala, to give her intervention, please, ma'am?

Thank you, Chair. His Excellency Ambassador Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Excellencies, distinguished representatives, I thank the Permanent Mission of India for the kind invitation to participate in Hindi Divas 2026 and warmly welcome the delegation of members of Parliament of India. Ap sabhiko mera pranam, or jaise hum bolte hain, Gyanam me, Ram Ram. Mujhe Hindi Divas me shamil hokar bahut kushi ho rahi hai. I'm very happy to be here on this occasion of Hindi Divas. Hamare liye Hindi sirf ek bhasha nahi hai, balki hamare itihas se ek gehra sambandh hai. For us, Hindi is not just a language, but it has a deep connection with our history. In 1838, the first indentured laborers from India arrived on Guyana's shores. They brought very little in the way of physical possessions, but they carried with them the invaluable legacy of their languages, their culture, their music, their faith, and their stories. Nearly two centuries later, that inheritance is woven into who we are as a Guyanese nation. Hindi and Bhojpuri words are part of our everyday speech in the way we greet each other, in our religious traditions and festivals, and in the Guyanese food nomenclature, whether it is curry, roti, mithai, or dal puri. These words belong to every Guyanese, whatever their background, and are an integral part of Guyana's multi-ethnic, diverse cultural tapestry. Guyanese also appreciate the Hindi language through Bollywood songs and movies, and with a large Hindu population, Hindi bhajans are sung in mandirs across Guyana. There are continued efforts to promote formal learning of Hindi in Guyana. Hindi is taught in some private schools and through mandirs and religious organizations. Several persons have benefited from scholarships offered by the government of India to study in Hindi in India. And I watched keenly the video presented earlier, and many of our students attended the very institution in Agra. We encourage India's continued efforts to support Hindi language training, particularly for countries like Guyana, where the population, through no fault of their own, has lost touch with their languages, historic languages. Indeed, the majority of descendants of the Indian indentured immigrants in Guyana cannot speak Hindi. due mainly to a colonial culture of promoting English, particularly as a condition for access to employment and education. Chair, Guyana firmly believes that language is a crucial aspect of culture and identity and must be cherished, celebrated and promoted. Multilingualism is a matter of inclusion. For example, When people can hear the work of this organization in the language of their home, the United Nations becomes their institution too. Hindi remains an unbreakable bridge between India and Guyana. Today, Guyana joins with India and all of the countries that have Hindi as part of their history or their continued lived experience in celebrating Hindi Divas. And we also celebrate the enduring friendship between our two countries. I thank you.

We thank the peer of Guyana for her kind words. May we now request the peer of Qatar. Her Excellency Ms. Alia Ahmed Saif Al Thani to take the floor, please. Ma'am.

So much, my dear brother, Ambassador Harish, for organizing this timely, very important event today. I'm happy to take part in the Hindi Day event that you kindly organize annually. Again, Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world with a rich culture, cultural, historical, and literary heritage that reflects India's remarkable diversity, as has been told earlier by the distinguished speakers in this panel. The State of Qatar, of course, commends India's efforts in promoting the Hindi language internationally and reaffirm the importance of multilingualism in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for cultural diversity, an objective that we solely share as well with India and other countries. The strong cultural and people-to-people ties between Qatar and India further reinforces the longstanding friendship and close cooperation between our countries, between our languages, cultures that enrich our societies as we develop and prosper together. The Indian community, language, culture, and contribution holds a special place, respect of appreciation in the state of Qatar. Its valuable contribution to Qatar's development and prosperity are widely recognized and valued. Ambassador, dear brother, Ambassador Harish, thank you again and congratulations on hosting yet again another Hindi Day annual successful event, and I thank you.

We thank you, Your Excellency. May we now invite the DPR of Nepal, Ambassador Gyan Bahadur Magar, to speak, if you would.

Thank you, dear moderator. Mani Neshri, CP Joshi, and Samanith Sansad, Patinidi Mandal. Mani Neshri, Bindesur Hegde, Kageri, Bharat Kistai, Patinidi, Mahamim, Haris, Parvatha, Nenu. Mahamim, Radud Gand, Bister, Patinidi Gand, Divy, and Soljano, Hardik, Namasakar. आज इस वर्ष के हिंदी दिवस समारोह में आप सभी के बीच उपस्थित होकर मुझे अत्यंत प्रसन्नता हो रही है। इस महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम के आयोजन और मुझे आमंत्रित करने के लिए मैं संयुक्त राष्ट्र में भारत के स्थायी मिशन के प्रति हार्दिक आभार व्यक्त करता हूँ। इस शुभ अवसर पर मैं संयुक्त राष्ट्र में नेपाल के स्थायी मिशन के समस्त परिवार तथा अपनी ओर से भारत की मित्रवत जनता यहाँ न्यूयॉर्क स्थित भारतीय स्थायी मिशन के हमारे घनिष्ठ मित्रों तथा विश्वाभर में हिंदी दिवस मना रहे सभी लोगों को हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं देता हूँ। हिंदी का इतिहास अत्यंत समृद्ध है, इसका मधुरता मनोग है और इसकी वैश्विक पहुँच उल्लेखनीय है। इस संदर्भ में मुझे विशेष प्रसन्नता है कि मैं भी उन लोगों में शामिल हूँ जो हिंदी समझ और थोड़ा बहुत बोल सकता हूँ। निश्चित रूप से यहाँ उपस्थित अपने भारतीय मित्रों से मैं हिंदी हिंदी में प्रतिष्ठादा करने के स्वास्तु नहीं कर सकता हूँ, लेकिन इस अद्भुत भाषा के सुंदरता और विरासत विरासत से जुड़कर मुझे गर्व की अनुभूति अवश्य होती है। इसका श्रेय में नेपाली और भारतीय मित्रों को जाता है, जिनके साथ मुझे हिंदी से हिंदी में बातचीत करने का abasar mila hai, abhisas roop se manmohak Hindi dhara bahin ko sahit ke sangit aur Bollywood ki filmo ne Hindi bhasa ke prati meri samaj aur loga ko aur vee gharabna hai. Excellencies, every language is unique and a world in itself. It preserves our cultural heritage, connects generations and gives voice to our identity. while opening doors to other cultures and civilizations. Hindi dubbers celebrate this enduring power of language. The historic decision of India's Constituent Assembly on 14 September 1949 to adopt Hindi in Devanagari script as one of the official languages marked a defining milestone. Today, Hindi remains among the world's most widely spoken languages, with a rich literary tradition, vibrant cultural influence, and growing international presence. Excellencies, as a multicultural nation like India, Nepal takes great pride in its linguistic and cultural diversity. Our constitution recognize all mother tongues spoken in Nepal as national languages. Our independent history is stretched over two and a half centuries, making us proud custodians of 142 caste ethnic communities, 124 languages, and 10 religious groups, each contributing to the diverse culture and traditions of our society. Hindi holds a special place in Nepal's multilingual mosaic. It is spoken by many Nepalese and widely understood across our society. As for the national census 2021, over 100,000 people speak Hindi language as their mother tongue, and more than 225,000 people speak Hindi language as their second language in Nepal. And I think in the last five years, the number must have gone up. Many Nepali students studying in Indian schools, colleges, and universities, and the Indian schools in Nepal with CBSE board affiliation have also become the medium of promoting Hindi language in Nepal. Nepali and Hindi share common linguistic roots as they is they are derived from Sanskrit language and the Devanagari script, reflecting our deep civilizational connections. Our shared history, culture, traditions, open border, very famous roti and beti relations, religious exchanges, literature, education, cinema, and music have further strengthened these linguistic bonds. For our two people in Nepal and India, Hindi is a living bridge of shared heritage, mutual understanding, and enduring friendship. Excellencies, Hindi observance on 14 September and World Hindi Day celebrated on 10 January complement and reinforce each other. Together, they demonstrate how a language rooted in national identity can become a powerful instrument of international cultural accents. I commend India's initiative to promote Hindi globally. through education, scholarship, literary exchanges, cultural diplomacy, and digital innovation. We saw a few, a while ago, the participants who learned very well, who spoke in Hindi very well. So thanks to the continued efforts of the government of India to promote Hindi is a language of friendship and cooperation among nations and communities. Hindi at the UN initiative is particularly noteworthy. By expanding access to United Nations information in Hindi, it extends multilingualism, broadens public engagement, and brings the work of the United Nations closer to the people. Multilingualism is not merely about preserving languages. It is about respecting diversity. democratizing knowledge, and ensuring that every voice matters. Emerging technologies offer new opportunities to advance this vision while preserving linguistic and cultural heritages. In closing, Excellencies, as we celebrate Hindi Divas, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting linguistic diversity and fostering solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation across nations, cultures, and civilizations. May our shared linguistic and cultural heritage and closer people-to-people relations continue to strengthen age-old, time-tested friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Nepal and India, both bilaterally and across multilateral forums, including at the United Nations.

One more time, I congratulate everyone here on the occasion of Hindi Diwas. Thank you.

For your kind sentiment. May we now request the DPR of Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Vanessa, to take the floor, please.

Commentarians, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, namaskar. The Trinidad and Tobago delegation is once again pleased to join you in commemorating Hindu Diwas at the United Nations. I wish to especially thank Ambassador Harish and his team at the Permanent Mission of India for bringing us together in celebration of language whose history and influence extend far beyond the borders of India. For Trinidad and Tobago, this occasion has particular significance. More than 180 years ago, the first Indian indentured immigrants arrived on the shores of Trinidad. They came carrying much more than their belongings. They brought languages, faith, music, traditions, food, and customs, which over generations became woven into every facet of the fabric of Trinidad and Tobago society. On the estate, Hindi was not just a language, it was survival. It was how you found your village brother, how you sang your chautal, your bhajans, In the barracks, in the temples, in Ram Lila, Hindi lived. Our elders told us that a man who could read the Ramcharitmanas was the most respected man in the village. Hindi was our newspaper, our radio, our temple. Hindi and related languages traveled across oceans, were preserved and adopted by successive generations, and left an enduring imprint on our cultural landscape. Ladies and gentlemen, today in Trinidad and Tobago, Hindi survives in the following spaces. In our religion, every Naratri and Diwali, which are soon to be celebrated, as you know, Pagwa, Ram Leela, and other Hindu religious commemorations, every Bhajan, every Viva Sanskar, the words, prayers, songs, and expressions are rooted in Hindi. When the Pandit says Satyam Shivam Sundaram, That is Hindi living. In Trinidad and Tobago, Hindi lives in our prayers, it lives in our rituals, it lives in our music, our ceremonies, and our celebrations. In our music, from the pioneering sounds of the late Sundar Pupo through the contributions of Drupati Ramgunai and Ricky Jai, the linguistic heritage of Hindi and Bhojpuri continues to find expression in our chutney and chutney soca traditions. In our names and foods, more than a century and a half after the survival, arrival of our Indian ancestors, words of Hindi, Bhojpuri, and related origins have become so deeply embedded in Trinidad and Tobago that we often use them without thinking about from where they came. We speak of roti, dal, chana as naturally as we speak about any other foods on our national table. Within families and communities, words such as nani, bhai, beti, They have transcended ethnicities and generations. Indian names too are an everyday part of Trinidad and Tobago landscape carried by our citizens, our communities, our streets, and institutions. In our schools, for decades, institutions in Trinidad and Tobago have worked to ensure that younger generations have the opportunity not simply to hear Hindi, but to learn, read, and speak it. The Hindi Nidhi Foundation, established by an act of our parliament in 1990, has played an important role in promoting the teaching and study of Hindi, including through our schools. This work is complemented by the High Commission of India and its cultural wing, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation, which continues to provide Hindi language instruction and to collaborate with local organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting the language. In 2025 to 2026, academic year alone, approximately 200 students participated in Hindi and Sanskrit classes supported by the Indian High Commission. These efforts ensure that Hindi in Trinidad and Tobago is not simply a language remembered from the past, but one that continues to be taught to a new generation. Ladies and gentlemen, multilateralism is fundamentally about enabling different peoples, cultures, and perspectives to speak to one another. Multilingualism, therefore, goes beyond translation. It is about inclusion. It is about ensuring that the work and values of the United Nations can reach people in languages they understand and through which they experience the world. Trinidad and Tobago, therefore, welcomes the efforts to strengthen multilingualism within the United Nations and recognizes India's contributions to expanding the reach of UN information through initiatives such as Hindi at UN. As we celebrate Hindi Divas, we celebrate not only a language, but the ability of language to carry memory across generations, to connect communities across oceans, and ultimately to bring people closer together. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend warm congratulations to the government and people of India and to the Hindi speaking communities around the world on this celebration of Hindu Hindi Divas. Daniavad.

Thank you so much. Uh Mister Vanessa for your kind sentiment. Now we request First Secretary in the Mission of Fiji to give her remarks, please.

Excellency, Ambassador for the Indian Mission, Honourable Members of the Parliament of India, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Nisambula Vinaka and Namaste. Thank you for the invitation and for holding this day. On 14 May 1879, a ship called Leonardus dropped anchor off Levuka, the then capital of Fiji. She carried 463 people from British India. They arrived with very little, among the little, language was carried. Over the next 37 years, some 60,000 followed them under a system whose name tells you what happened next. The people called it "germit," that is, agreement. taken into Indian mouths and made Indian. That is the first evidence I want to offer you this morning. Language does not sit still. It goes where it speaks and it becomes what their lives require. What grew in the lives and labor barracks was Awadhi and Bhojpuri, carried across the water and held together in household after household by the rum, Chari Tamase of Toulis recited in the mandales week after week by people who had lost nearly everything else. To that were added over generations iTaukei words and English words until what emerged was a language that exists nowhere else on earth. We call it Fiji Hindi. Roughly a third of my country speaks it, many more understand it. Fiji Hindi is not a lesser Hindi. It is not Hindi that went wrong on a long voyage. It was a daughter of Hindi with its own grammar, its own broadcast voice, its own literature, including novels written and published in it, in what Hindi did when it was given 147 years and an ocean. And my country has chosen to protect it. When Fiji wrote its present constitution, the preamble recognized the descendants of the indentured laborers from British India, their culture, their customs, their traditions, and their language. The text itself is published in Hindi, section 37. 31 rather, requires that controversial and contemporary iTaukei and Fiji Hindi be taught as compulsory subjects in every primary school in the country. I, for one, was brought up in an Indian community, a town called Ba in Viti Levu, where the love for soccer, curry, and Indian events were part of normal living. That is what multilingualism looks like when it stops being a principle and becomes a practice. Finally, this is what Fiji values, what India has done here with the Hindi at UN project and the sponsorship of the Lingualism Resolution. The insistence that this organization should be able to reach people in the language they pray in, argue in, and raise their children in. For small states, That is not decoration, that is access. Thank you. Kind words.

As partner in the implementation of India at UN project in the United Nations, it is my honor to invite Mr. Ian Phillips, Director in the Department of Global Communications. Ian, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Chair. In respect of this day, I will not risk speaking in Hindi. Maybe next year, if I'm invited. Your Excellency, Permanent Representative of India, honorable members of parliament, excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to join you today in celebrating Hindi Divas here at the United Nations. Hindi Divas is, of course, a celebration of a language, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on something much larger, the role that language plays in connecting people across generations and across borders. Every language carries history, culture, memory, and identity, connecting us to our heritage while shaping how we understand and engage with the world around us. The United Nations itself places multilingualism at the heart of its work. In my division, the News and Media Division in the Department of Global Communications, we create content in 10 languages, including Hindi. As technology continues to transform how people access information, we have new opportunities to communicate the work and the priorities of the United Nations in ways that are authoritative, balanced, timely, and accessible. With sustained support from the Government of India, the Department of Global Communications developed the Hindi Project, through which Hindi audiences around the world can receive news and multimedia content about the work and priorities of the United Nations. I take this opportunity to convey the Department's appreciation to the Government of India for its generous and continued support. The Hindi at UN project team produces articles, explainers, social media posts and audio-visual materials drawing on content from across the UN system. In the current phase of this project, we are looking at how we can make this content more relevant and more useful to users and new audiences, including the global Hindi-speaking diaspora. The department also has United Nations information centers around the world, including in New Delhi. Through these centers, we are able to produce and disseminate material in more than 100 languages. This reflects a core principle underlying the United Nations communications work. People should be able to access information about the work of the United Nations in languages that they understand. For us, multilingualism is about more than translating information. It is about communicating in ways that are meaningful to people, wherever they are, and ensuring that the work of the United Nations can be understood and engaged with across linguistic and cultural boundaries. And this is one of the great strengths of multilingualism. It gives us ways, more ways to listen, to share knowledge and build understanding. On this Hindi Diwas, we celebrate Hindi. We celebrate its richness, its dynamism, its contributions. And we celebrate every language that helps humanity connect, understand and evolve. May Hindi continue to flourish as a language of literature, culture, communication and connection. and may initiatives such as the Hindi Project continue to bring the work and message of the United Nations closer to people around the world. Thank you.

Thank you, Ian.

I think before the moderator gives the word of thanks, I want to acknowledge the presence of Ambassador Manessar of St. Lucia. Thank you, Ambassador Ambalin, for your presence here and for your support for the Hindi Divas.

Thank you sir. As a desk officer dealing with Hindi and multilingualism, it is my honor to pay the vote of thanks. We thank the honorable members of parliament of India led by honorable CP Joshiji, distinguished permanent representatives, diplomats, UN officials, and the media. For gracing the Hindi Divas event today. Your enthusiastic presence gives us fresh impetus to do more in the field of promoting Hindi. Thank you Our thanks go to the Department of Global Communications and the UN Web TV for their assistance in implementing the Hindi project. Dhan yevat, namaskar. May we request the distinguished guests.