The Importance and power of language 

To celebrate and promote the Hindi language around the world, World Hindi Day is celebrated on January 10 every year. At the same time, National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12. The day marks the birth anniversary of the social reformer, great thinker and philosopher, Swami Vivekananda. 

Marking the importance of both these days among the students, the School of Education, Rotaract Club, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan along with NSS (National Service Scheme) of Apeejay Stya University organised a webinar on the theme ‘Youth and Hindi Language: Opportunities and Threats’.  

Dr. Kamlanand Jha, who comes with more than 20 years of teaching and research experience and is currently a Professor in Department of Hindi at Aligarh Muslim University, presided over as the chief guest. 

The webinar began with Harsh Sah, Director of Community Services, Rotaract Club of Apeejay Stya University Gurugram, introducing the guest speaker to the attendees.

Dr. Jha conducted a very engaging virtual session and asked the participants: which has more strength – money or language? He emphasised, “One must treat language as one of the biggest strengths as it’s a way to communicate with everyone around.”

Having a strong hold on language and literature, Dr. Jha has written extensively on pedagogy and his two books, ‘Paathyapustak Ki Rajneeti’ and ‘ Masti Ki Pataskala’, are highly recommended books. At the webinar, he further added, “If individuals consistently work on improving their language skills, it will help them in achieving success in a competitive world.”

“In addition, strong knowledge about a language leads to good communication. And good communication has the power to influence people and motivate people.”

Speaking to more than 35 participants during the webinar, he stressed that any language and the way people talk using that language leaves an impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the message being delivered to someone.

He also shared examples from the advertising industry and how brands use a language to communicate the message to its audience.

The guest speaker said, “If you can hone your Hindi writing and speaking skills, your career scope will also enhance. You can write dialogue for documentary films, write lyrics, and become a journalist, public speaker, etc.” 

“Hindi is not only one of the most spoken languages in the world, it’s part of rich Indian culture and heritage. Youth of the country have a great national responsibility on their shoulders, to not only protect but preserve and conserve this language and Indian values.”

-Dr. Vijay Kumar, Teacher Educator, School of Education, Apeejay Stya University