Celebrating the language that connects hearts and cultures

The Hindi Department of Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, celebrated Hindi Week on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, bringing together literature, music, dance and creative expression to strengthen students’ command of the language and deepen their appreciation of its cultural significance. Poetess and writer Smt. Mamta Suri graced the occasion as the special guest.

Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra welcomed and honoured Smt. Suri with a bouquet, describing her presence as a privilege and appreciating her powerful literary talent and heart-touching poetry. Emphasising the importance of Hindi, Dr. Dhingra observed that the language has the potential not only to unite India but also to spread the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—across the globe.

The programme opened with students from the Hindi and Music departments—Anurag Arora, Arshia, Diya and Sonal—rendering Kabir’s dohas under the guidance of Dr. Amita Mishra. Nishant, a BBA fifth-semester student, stirred patriotic fervour through a spirited recitation based on Rashmirathi. Sonal, a BA fifth-semester student, moved the audience with an original poem dedicated to her mother, while Diya, also from BA fifth semester, narrated a story inspired by the Mahabharata, highlighting how intellect can resolve challenges that physical strength alone cannot.

Adding a devotional dimension to the celebration, Navya, a first-semester M.A. Classical Dance student, presented a classical dance performance based on Ganesh Stuti under the guidance of Dr. Mickey Verma.

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Mamta Suri described Hindi as a source of pride and “the language of our soul”, emphasising its ability to express the deepest emotions. She encouraged students to speak clearly and with refinement, noting that language influences personality and character. Reflecting on contemporary informal speech, which she referred to as “Gen Z’s khichdi”, she urged students to preserve clarity and richness in expression. She also captivated the audience with a self-composed poem on Hindi and its pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.

The celebration also recognised students’ achievements in competitions. Diya won first prize in debate writing, essay writing and poetry writing. In Keh Tu Ek Kahani, Sonal secured first place, while she also topped poetry recitation. Japahuldeep Kaur won first prize in poster-making. Other winners and runners-up were recognised across the categories, including Khushi, Lakshmi Mane, Nishant Sharma, Jasleen Kaur, Shivam Sharma, Tisha Agarwal, Riza, Diya Talwar, Harsimar, Mannatpreet Kaur, Mahi and Muskan. Consolation prizes were also awarded in debate writing and poster-making.

The competitions were evaluated by faculty members, including Dr. Jeevan Kumari, Dr. Rimpy Aggarwal, Ms. Anuradha, Dr. Raman Dhadra, Ms. Chetna and Dr. Anjana Kumari. Dr. Dhingra, Smt. Suri and Dr. Anjana Kumari presented prizes and certificates to the winners. Dr. Dhingra also honoured the special guest with a memento and appreciated Dr. Anjana Kumari, Head of the Hindi Department, and Dr. Payal Arora for organising the celebration. Ms. Chetna and Ms. Diya conducted the proceedings.

The celebration reaffirmed Hindi’s place as a language of expression, cultural identity and connection, while giving students a vibrant platform to discover and showcase their literary and artistic talents.