World Hindi Conference 2023: Language is not just a means of exchanging information; it is the quintessential embodiment of a culture’s values, beliefs, and traditions. It serves as a conduit for passing on the cultural heritage from one generation to another and creating a timeless link between the past, present, and future.
It is through the knowledge of language, mankind is able to capture the essence of their cultural experiences, emotions, and at least stamp their unique identity in the vast geographical mass of the world. It is through language that we can connect with our roots, understand our ancestors, and learn from the past to create a brighter future.
Understanding these very crucial roles of language in preserving cultural heritage, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has embarked on a mission to showcase the global swag of the Hindi language to the world.
On October 27, 2022, a momentous announcement reverberated across the cultural landscape of India and Fiji. The esteemed Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, stood before a captivated audience at a grand event in the national capital and proclaimed that the 12th World Hindi Conference 2023 would soon be upon us.
With all grace, he declared that the World Hindi Conference would be held in the charming town of Nadi in Fiji, from the 15th to the 17th of February 2023. This was not mere lip service, but an absolute commitment to celebrate the spirit of the Hindi language and the rich cultural heritage it represents.
And true to his words, the event was jointly organised by the External Affairs Ministry of India and the Government of Fiji. The event proved to be a momentous occasion, bringing together luminaries from all over the world to celebrate the beauty and richness of the Hindi language and its rich culture.
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The Historical Ties Between India and Fiji
India has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Fiji, with the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century. This initial wave of migration brought with it a rich tapestry of Indian culture, including music, dance, language, and cuisine, which has since become an integral part of Fiji’s identity. Today, nearly 38% of Fiji’s population is of Indian descent, with many retaining their cultural traditions and languages.
The Indian government has been playing a pivotal role in promoting cultural ties between the two nations. The establishment of the Indian Cultural Centre in Suva and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) aim to promote cultural exchanges between India and the rest of the world.
These initiatives have achieved tremendous success, with numerous festivals, seminars, and exhibitions taking place regularly to promote cultural understanding. Hindi is also one among the two-exchange cultural and bilateral relations between the two countries.
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India’s Deepening Engagement with the Pacific Region
The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has time and again proven that he is a master of diplomacy who can navigate any geopolitical turmoil and set the world stage ablaze with the utmost decency and effectiveness. His rational approach has earned him global praise and recognition, making him a notable figure in international politics.
What’s more, his tireless efforts in promoting India’s interests and values have earned him a well-deserved place among the world’s most influential leaders. With his steady hand at the helm, India’s presence on the world stage is set to grow even stronger.
As S. Jaishankar’s grandiose entry into the realm of international politics continues to flourish, his ability to steer India towards success is nothing short of astounding. And this time he seems to be embarking on the journey of promoting the Hindi language on the global stage and building geopolitical relations based on the shared cultural heritage of India and Fiji.
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In a resounding declaration, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar announced that vigorous efforts are underway to secure global recognition for the Hindi language. His stirring words were a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Indian government to promote the beauty and power of Hindi on the world stage.
Addressing the closing ceremony at World Hindi Conference 2023, EAM Jaishankar said, “I think everyone is hopeful that this conference will be a Mahakumbh of Hindi where people from all over the world will come. It will become a platform for a global networking platform in the subject of Hindi. Our goal is how to make Hindi a world language and World Hindi Conference 2023 becomes a platform where every Hindi lover can participate,” he added.
During his speech, Dr. Jaishankar expressed his deep appreciation to the Fiji government, the ICCR, and the MEA for their tireless efforts in hosting and exhibiting the true essence of Bhartiya culture.
Overview of the visit
Jaishankar was delighted to recall the comment made by Fiji’s President Wiliame Katonivere, where he revealed his great admiration for Hindi cinema, citing “Sholay” as his favourite film and even remembering the song “Yeh Dosti.”
Earlier, the minister had addressed the Indian diaspora in Suva. He emphasised their incredible achievements and contributions, not only to India but also to their host countries and the world at large. The Indian community, with its vast and diverse talents, is an enormous asset to the world.
As the visit coincided with the Hindi World Conference, Jaishankar expressed his delight at Fiji’s historic and established relationship with India, viewing the country as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific. With the two nations sharing a deep and meaningful relationship, there is enormous potential for further collaboration in the region.
Jaishankar’s visit to Fiji was a resounding success, with the World Hindi Conference 2023 and his address to the Indian diaspora showcasing India’s strong cultural and diplomatic ties with Fiji. The event marked a significant step in the deepening of India’s engagement with the Pacific region, reinforcing India’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with its partners around the world.
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The major push by India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to promote Hindi globally
Hindi is a resplendent symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage that has the power to unite individuals from every corner of the world. Its kaleidoscope of expressions and rich historical roots make it a potent emblem of India’s identity and a remarkable linguistic wonder that knows no bounds.
The endeavours of the esteemed Minister Jaishankar to advance the use of Hindi as a global language are a testament to the rising recognition of the profound importance of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange in an ever-evolving world.
Hindi is the third most widely spoken language in the world, only behind Mandarin and English! More than 578 million individuals in the world bask in the radiant glory of this remarkable language, hailing from lands dispersed across all continents.
Its melodic tones are heard from the breath-taking expanse of Australia to the stunning vistas of New Zealand, from the charming hamlets of Europe to the bustling streets of Africa and the Americas, and even in the lands of Pakistan. Verily, this enchanting language is an exceptional cultural jewel that has charmed the hearts of countless individuals.
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But why Fiji?
Out of the 193 nations of the world, EAM Jaishankar chose the vibrant and captivating land of Fiji as the springboard to launch the globalisation of Hindi. The primary reason behind this momentous decision was the prevalence of the Sanatan culture and the Hindi language, which flourish in the very fabric of Fijian society.
As reported by the TFI, nearly 80% of the 37% Indian-origin Fijians are followers of the Hindu faith, with 20–23% of schools in Fiji being Sanatan Dharma schools that uphold the teaching of the Ramayan as a fundamental component of their curriculum.
The mellifluous sounds of music accompany children as they immerse themselves in Satsang, Ramleelas, and, through them, the glorious teachings of the Ramayana. It is noteworthy that rice, curry, and roti have become the primary dishes of Fijian cuisine. This reflects the deep-seated influence of India on the land of Fiji.
What elevates Fiji to an even higher level of distinction as a platform for promoting Hindi is its strategic location in the South-Pacific region, a subset of the vast and dynamic Indo-Pacific region that is rapidly becoming the epicentre of global conflict.
China has been tirelessly trying to engage island nations such as Fiji in this region, and it was not long ago that China attempted to take over the security apparatus of this tiny island nation. Fortunately, the government of Fiji, inspired by its unyielding spirit and determination, valiantly rose to the occasion to safeguard its sovereignty and protect the interests of its people.
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Truly, the decision to organise a Hindi conference in a country that boldly expelled China only a month ago is a testament to the aggressive and assertive diplomacy of EAM Jaishankar, which has excelled India’s interest like never before. His bold actions have brought the stunning land of Fiji into the spotlight, showcasing its remarkable cultural identity and its unwavering commitment to preserve and promote the glorious Hindi language.
In recent years, the bilateral relationship between India and Fiji has only grown stronger, with trade and investment, education, and tourism emerging as key areas of cooperation. In 2019–2020, the total trade between the two nations stood at USD 204.64 million, with Indian exports to Fiji accounting for USD 132.18 million. Additionally, Indian tourists to Fiji have been on the rise, with over 50,000 Indian tourists visiting Fiji in 2019.
Under the dynamic leadership of Narendra Modi, Hindi is all set to get the recognition it deserves as a language of influence and inspiration, a language that embodies the beauty and wisdom of India’s rich cultural tapestry. With this bold initiative, India is poised to become a true cultural ambassador, sharing the richness of its linguistic and cultural heritage with the world.
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