GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India in Guatemala celebrated Hindi Diwas 2024 by organizing a series of vibrant Hindi competitions, which garnered an overwhelming response from participants. The event saw enthusiastic participation from not only members of the Indian community but also local Guatemalans and friends of India, showcasing the growing appreciation for the Hindi language and culture. Throughout the month of September, various competitions were held, including poetry recitations, essay writing, and Hindi writing (Sulekh) contests, all aimed at promoting the richness and beauty of Hindi. These events provided a platform for participants to express their creativity and deepen their understanding of the language.

Hindi, an Indo-Aryan language, has its roots in the ancient languages of India, evolving through various stages influenced by Sanskrit, Prakrit, and regional dialects. Its development can be traced back to the 7th century, with significant contributions from literary figures and poets over the centuries. Recognizing the importance of Hindi as a means of communication and cultural expression, the Government of India accepted Hindi as one of the official languages of the country in the Constitution on September 14, 1949. This date is celebrated annually as Hindi Diwas, a day to honor the language and promote its usage across the nation. Hindi Diwas serves as a reminder of the linguistic diversity of India and the significance of Hindi in uniting people from various regions and backgrounds, fostering a sense of national identity and pride.

The Embassy has been instrumental in propagating and promoting Hindi through a variety of initiatives and events throughout the year in Central American region. By organizing numerous Hindi-related activities, such as competitions, workshops, and cultural programs, the embassy has fostered a deeper appreciation for the language among local communities, Indian diaspora, and friends of India. Each year, these events have witnessed a remarkable increase in participation, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for Hindi in the region. Additionally, the embassy encourages its staff to incorporate Hindi into their official communications, further enhancing the language’s visibility and relevance in diplomatic work.

This year, Hindi Diwas was celebrated with a series of engaging competitions, including essay writing, poem recitals, and Sulekh (Hindi writing). To accommodate participants amidst their busy schedules and the celebrations for Guatemala’s Independence Day occurring in the same month, the embassy decided to organize the competitions in three parts throughout September. On September 7th, the embassy hosted the Poem Recital and Sulekh competition, requiring participants to present their works in person at the chancery. For those unable to attend in person, an opportunity was provided to submit their essays via email, allowing participants from El Salvador and Honduras to join in the festivities, with September 14th set as the final submission date. Following the completion of all competitions, a prize distribution ceremony was held on September 24, 2024, attended by approximately 100 guests, including Congress members, local dignitaries, Indian community members, and friends of India.

Mr. KD Singh Gaur, a distinguished Hindi writer and scholar, was invited as the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony for the Hindi Diwas celebrations. His presence added immense value to the event, as he is renowned for his contributions to Hindi literature and his commitment to promoting the language on a global scale. During his inspiring speech, Mr. Gaur emphasized the significance of Hindi as not just a means of communication, but as a vital part of India’s rich cultural heritage. He encouraged the gathering to embrace the language, highlighting its beauty and relevance in today’s world. Mr. Gaur shared anecdotes from his own journey as a writer, illustrating the profound impact that Hindi has had on his life and the lives of many others. He called upon the younger generation to explore Hindi literature, engage in creative writing, and contribute to the language’s evolution in contemporary contexts.

During the prize distribution ceremony, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement in the Hindi Diwas celebrations. He acknowledged that the overwhelming response from the Indian community, local Guatemalans, and friends of India significantly contributed to the success of the event, enabling the embassy to expand its efforts on such a large scale. In his address, the ambassador highlighted how the collective enthusiasm and passion for Hindi had made this journey not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Ambassador Mohapatra reassured the audience of the Government of India’s unwavering support and commitment to promoting Hindi both domestically and internationally. He spoke about various initiatives and programs that the Indian government has undertaken to propagate the language and strengthen cultural ties with countries across the globe.

The Embassy of India in Guatemala is firmly committed to promoting Hindi and celebrating its rich cultural heritage. It has successfully fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of the language by engaging with local Guatemalans and diverse communities through various initiatives, events, and competitions. Additionally, the embassy has effectively encouraged the Indian diaspora to embrace Hindi, instilling a sense of pride in the language through direct engagement. As a result of these efforts, several local universities are now conducting lectures aimed at promoting the Hindi language. Looking ahead, the embassy will continue to organize more events and programs designed to inspire future generations to explore and cherish Hindi, ensuring that it remains a vibrant component of our shared identity and cultural dialogue.

(Based on a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Guatemala)