Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 19: Urging the youth to recognize the significance of languages, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that no other country in the world can match India’s linguistic diversity.
Addressing the inaugural session of national seminar ‘Bhartiya Bhashaon Mein Ekaatmata’ at NIT here, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “It’s our duty to save the Hindi language under Hindi Pakhwada initiative and youngsters need to understand the importance of languages in our country.”
The Lieutenant Governor said that NIT students and professors have to make sure to get rid of the colonial mind set and embrace our languages. “Today, we feel a strong need to inspire the country with an ideology of development. India or Developed India, I think, is not just a slogan, it’s an ideology, a movement. Our common goal should be that by the time we celebrate the centenary of our independence in 2047, we should see India as a united nation,” he said, adding, “In this movement, there can be different cultural foundations, people speaking different languages, but I would especially like to say to the students of the National Institute of Technology, where this program is taking place, that you will have to make a very important contribution. To create a resurgent India, you will have to strive to live your life to the fullest and move forward to completely eliminate every vestige of slavery and build a glorious India.”
The Lieutenant Governor said, “We need to know the needs of society, understand them, live for them, and be prepared to sacrifice everything for our goal. In this campaign, we will have to always keep in mind that this is a prophecy written on stone, which will certainly come true. The wheel of time has turned, and that India, which once had a larger share in world GDP than all the countries of America and Europe combined, and which gave the world a new system of knowledge through mathematics and science, that India is once again moving forward to regain its old glory.”
“Today, the whole world is looking towards India with great expectations for the future. It depends on how actively our youth can play a role in shaping policies and guiding India, not just India but the world, through their abilities, innovations, and research. I would also like to mention in today’s program that our policymakers should always focus on inclusive development, ” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor said, “Despite diverse background, languages, dialects and ideas, a common national identity and shared consciousness unite us all. We must harness the power of unity in diversity for nation-building. Our effort should be to ensure that Hindi continues to serve as an essential bridge, connecting people from different linguistic backgrounds, motivate people to learn other languages, enhancing mutual cooperation and economic integration,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said that all the sections of the society must also strive to preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage inherent in all Indian languages.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth to transcend linguistic differences and unite the nation to transform India into Viksit Bharat. “You have to create a glorious and developed India by completely eliminating every trace of colonial mindset,” he said.
Sinha said the entire world is looking towards India with hope for future prospects. “The 21st century is India’s century. It is written in stone. Consistent growth and productivity will make India a dominant global power,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also encouraged the young students to learn new languages, broaden perspectives and drive innovation.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the NIT Srinagar for establishing the Official Language Cell and organising numerous activities for promotion of Hindi language.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated writers, scholars, and researchers for their important contribution to the promotion of diverse languages.
Atul Bhai Kothari, National Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas; Prof. Binod Kumar Kanojia, Director, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; members of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas; prominent literary personalities, scholars, faculty and students were present.
