GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India in Guatemala celebrated Hindi Diwas with remarkable zeal and enthusiasm, fostering the rich cultural tapestry of India on 14 October 2023. The event was a resounding success, with a diverse array of participants, including local Guatemalan nationals, showcasing their passion for the Hindi language. Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by over 260 million people around the world, making it one of the most spoken languages in the world. Hindi Day, observed annually on September 14, is a significant occasion for the promotion of India’s national language and the culture it represents. This day is celebrated in India and around the world by Hindi speakers and enthusiasts as an opportunity to promote the language and its literature. The celebration of Hindi Diwas has its roots in the early 20th century when Hindi was first recognized as an official language of India. In the years following independence, Hindi speakers around the world began to celebrate the language and its culture. Like many other languages, Hindi possesses a unique scientific and linguistic heritage. Hindi, an Indo-Aryan language, has a well-defined linguistic structure. It has a rich vocabulary, extensive grammar rules, and a clear phonetic system.

The Embassy of India in Guatemala consistently organizes a series of events to celebrate Hindi Day, with activities that promote the Hindi language and Indian culture. This year was no exception, as the Embassy conducted various competitions and events. Among the activities organized, the Embassy hosted an essay writing competition (Nibandh Lekhan), where participants submitted their entries online. Additionally, the Embassy conducted events for Hindi writing (Sulekh) and poem recitals (Kavita Path). These events were not only well-received by the Indian community but also garnered an exceptional response from the local Guatemalan population. The enthusiasm displayed by the local Guatemalan participants in the Hindi writing competition was particularly remarkable. It is a sign of growing interest in Hindi language and Indian culture in the region.

Distinguished guests at the celebration, including notable figures from Guatemalan society like Congressman H.E. Manuel Conde, Congressman H.E. Herbert Figueroa, Congressman H.E. Estuardo Rodríguez Azpuru, Mayor of San Juan Sacatepequez H.E. Juan Carlos Pellecer, Ms. Silvia Estefanía Moscoso Arana Director CONJUVE and Ms. Carmen Reyes Director SOSEP shared their views on the value of Hindi as a language of heritage, culture, and communication. They appealed for the continued promotion and preservation of Hindi both in India and Guatemala.

The highlight of the event was Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra’s address, in which he emphasized the importance of Hindi as a unifying force in a diverse nation like India. He read the message by the Hon’ble Home Minister of India delivered on the occasion of Hindi Diwas. He stressed that the promotion and practical use of Hindi in official work should be encouraged. While acknowledging that extensive use of Hindi in a foreign Mission might be challenging, he emphasized the importance of using the language in administrative tasks. Ambassador Mohapatra encouraged the Guatemalan guests to explore the Hindi language, highlighting the benefits of being multilingual. He assured them of assistance, ranging from starting Hindi language classes to providing Hindi books for reading. He expressed his hope that more individuals would actively participate in various competitions organized during Hindi Diwas to promote the Hindi language. Prizes were awarded to the winners in different categories, highlighting the growing interest and proficiency in Hindi in Guatemala.

The Embassy’s commitment to organizing such events underscores its dedication to promoting Hindi and strengthening cultural ties between India and Guatemala. Hindi Day celebrations serve as a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, share their love for the language, and learn more about India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Hindi Diwas is also an opportunity for people around the world to learn more about the language and its culture. The Embassy of India in Guatemala remains committed to nurturing this linguistic and cultural connection for years to come. The Embassy of India in Guatemala expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all participants and attendees who made Hindi Day a resounding success. This celebration not only strengthens cultural ties but also enhances mutual understanding between the peoples of India and Guatemala.