The School of Education (SOE) at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, concluded its Hindi Pakhwada (fortnight) with a vibrant celebration. The closing ceremony not only celebrated the richness of the Hindi language but also sought to inspire students to take pride in their mother tongue, underscoring its role as a unifying symbol of culture, creativity, and national identity.
The event commenced on a traditional note with the lighting of the lamp and a soulful rendition of Maa Saraswati Vandana by Ms. Pratibha, a student of B.A. B.Ed. The dignitaries present highlighted the enduring significance of Hindi and the need to strengthen its presence in education, literature, and daily communication.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Registrar of the University, formally inaugurated the session. In his address, he spoke about the importance of the mother tongue and shed light on the constitutional provisions that recognise Hindi as the official language of India. He emphasised that while globalisation and multilingualism are essential, nurturing respect for Hindi ensures that cultural roots remain strong.
Following this, Prof. Ananda Padhan, Head of the School of Education, delivered a thought-provoking speech on the cultural, social, and literary relevance of Hindi. He reflected on how the language not only binds people across different regions but also serves as a medium for creative expression, literature, and cultural preservation.
The inaugural session transitioned into a lively array of literary events, showcasing the enthusiasm and talent of students. A skit play, performed by the students, highlighted Hindi’s role as a people’s language, accessible and expressive of daily life. The debate competition sparked engaging discussions on contemporary themes, while the quiz competition, conducted by Dr. Vijay Kumar from the School of Education, tested participants’ knowledge of Hindi literature, grammar, and history.
The competitions drew spirited participation, and the winners were felicitated with prizes and gift items. In the debate competition, Mithilesh (SJMC) and Bitto Kumar (SOE) emerged as the winners, impressing the judges with their clarity and conviction. The quiz competition was won by Keshvi Priya Sinha and her team, who showcased remarkable knowledge and quick thinking.
The programme concluded with a warm vote of thanks by Dr. Minaxi, Hindi faculty and coordinator of the event. She extended her gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty, and students for their support and participation, remarking that the fortnight-long celebration truly strengthened the appreciation of Hindi within the university community.
The closing ceremony of Hindi Pakhwada at Apeejay Stya University thus turned into a memorable occasion, reinforcing the importance of Hindi not only as a language but as a cultural treasure that continues to inspire pride and unity among generations.