NEW YORK (TIP): For the second consecutive year Hindi Sangam Foundation conducted its summer Hindi program at Franklin High School in New Jersey. Known as SANGAM-FRANKLIN STARTALK HINDI PROGRAM 2017, this unique venture signifies the deep commitment of the United States for a multilingual and multicultural society where every child is proficient in at least one more language other than English. The program was held in collaboration with the Franklin Township Board of Education that boasts of a diverse community of students. About 42 percent of the township’s students come from various ethnic groups including Hispanic, African-American and Asians. The education leaders of the township including its president Ed Potosnak and Superintendent Dr. John Ravallly truly understand the importance of promoting foreign language education for all students. Our program was conducted smoothly for three weeks starting June 19 and ending July 8, when students used modern resources available at the school.

From the very first day our students were engaged in learning varieties of traditional and modern stories of India including stories about successful people in different professions. All our material was related with cultural products and practices of India that students were very interested in learning and discussing with their classmates. With every passing day they did new activities that helped them improve their skills in speaking, reading and writing. The goal of this program has been empowering students to communicate in Hindi and learn about their culture and their heritage.

On the final day of the program students and teachers took charge of the auditorium of the school where they presented interested episodes of their learning. The event was open for parents who liked to see what their kids learned at the program. We invited a number of public officials to witness the outcome of our program. We are thankful to all our stakeholders who share our objective and believe in strengthening Hindi as a world language. Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das deputed one of her officers, Vice Consul Sandeep Grover to observe our program on July 8. A number of local officials including Franklin Councilman Rajiv Prasad, NJ Commissioner of Public Utilities Upendra Chivukula, and Former Edison Councilman Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad attended the event. Padma Bhushan Dr. Lakshmi Prasad Yarlagadda, former member of Rajya Sabha, attended the event as our Chief Guest.

STARTATLK Program was initiated by the White House. The US Congress approves the program budget every four years. Our efforts can’t be complete without the support of various stakeholders. US Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. of Middlesex County sent his citation for Hindi Sangam Foundation, which was presented, to me by former NJ Assemblyman Upendera Chivukula at the event.

As the president of Hindi Sangam Foundation and director of SANGAM-FRANKLIN STARTALK HINDI PROGRAM 2017 I have make a promise to our community for promoting our language and culture in our adopted country and making progress day be day. I hope to see the day when all children of Indian origin will proudly converse with their American counterparts about the Indian culture in Hindi.