Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 17
Government Hindi Institute (GHI), Dimapur observed Hindi Diwas on September 17 under the theme – Hindi Ka Kramik Vikas (Evolution of Hindi). Asangba Chuba Ao, Commissioner of Taxes, Nagaland graced the celebration as the chief guest.
In his address, Ao emphasised the importance of Hindi as a language in India. While it is one of the official languages of India, he said that it is not so in Nagaland state. “Hindi is not an official language of Nagaland, however, that does not imply that it is insignificant as a medium of communication.”
While recounting his tryst with Hindi as an administrative officer in Bihar, he recalled that his command over the language was limited but as his service years progressed, he could improve communicating in the language. In this regard, he said that it is a misconception to hold Hindi as a difficult language for Nagas to converse in.
He said that it may not feature as an official language of the state; however, it can be counted as a ‘4th language’ after mother tongue, English and ‘Nagamese’. This situation though unofficial is rather advantageous to Nagas for “we get to learn and speak multiple forms of verbal communication,” he added.
Further, he said that familiarity with multiple languages, be it Hindi or any other language, can aid in trade and commerce, while adding that for the economy to develop, trade and commerce is a must and commerce without a means of communication is virtually impossible. As regards the attitude of Nagas towards Hindi, he said that it should not be considered as a mere school subject, which one is required to mug up to pass.
GHI vice principal, Gulab Chandra, in his address said that it would be a misconception to equate Hindi with the Hindu religion. “There is a general misconception among non-Hindi speakers that it is related to Hinduism, which is one way is acting as a discouragement for taking up Hindi as an academic subject.” On the other hand, he held Hindi as not only a medium of communication but also secular in nature that could foster brotherhood and build relations.
