The Diplomat Desk
Jammu,TDD: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu celebrated Hindi Pakhwada with fervor, highlighting the language’s role in communication and administration on 17th Sept 2024 at Mandapam Auditorium. The event featured speeches from esteemed guests, cultural programs, and a special plantation drive as part of the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada campaign. Dr. Sandhu Kapoor, Joint Director, JKSCERT, was the Chief Guest, Shri Manveer Singh was the Guest of Honor. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, presided over the inaugural ceremony.
Chief Guest, Dr. Sandhu Kapoor, Joint Director, JKSCERT, Jammu, delivered an insightful address on “Punyashloka Lokmata Ahilya Devi Holkar,” highlighting her enduring legacy as a visionary and just ruler of the Malwa kingdom. She emphasized Ahilya Devi’s significant contributions to social welfare, infrastructure development, and religious tolerance. Known as “Lokmata,” Ahilya Devi’s leadership transcended caste and creed, garnering profound admiration from her people. She urged the audience to draw inspiration from Ahilya Devi’s resilience and her lasting impact on Indian history, portraying her as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and compassion.
Shri Manveer Singh, Guest of Honor, addressed the audience on “Hindi as a Mother Tongue,” emphasizing its crucial role in bridging connections and uniting India’s diverse linguistic landscape. He underlined Hindi’s importance in literature, arts, and traditions, noting its versatility as a contemporary language. Drawing inspiration from figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, he encouraged institutions such as IIM Jammu to actively promote Hindi alongside other languages, thereby preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.
In his address, Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, underscored the importance of Hindi, especially during Hindi Diwas on 14th September and Hindi Pakhwada. He stressed the need to integrate Hindi into daily communication and administrative functions, aligning with NEP 2020’s focus on mother tongue education. He encouraged everyone to use Hindi more frequently, not only during Hindi Pakhwada but throughout the year, to support and advance the language in everyday life.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu shared personal anecdotes and highlighted Hindi writer Shri Munshi Premchand’s contributions and stressed on preserving and maximizing the use of Hindi in daily life. On this special occasion, a message from Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India, was also read out by Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Co-Chairperson, Hindi Rajbhasha, IIM Jammu and shared with everyone.
Present on the occasion were Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, along with faculty, staff, and students, on the momentous occasion. The program began with a welcome Address, Lighting of the Lamp, and Guest Felicitation, followed by a vibrant cultural program by students. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Abhay Kumar Awasthi, Hindi Rajbhasha Officer, IIM Jammu followed by the National Anthem.
A plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” was conducted at IIM Jammu’s Jagti Campus, with enthusiastic participation from students and staff members, reflecting the institute’s commitment to environmental sustainability and cleanliness. The event was coordinated by Horticulture Dept and Student Affairs Office, IIM Jammu.The celebrations at IIM Jammu underscored that Hindi is not just a language but a bond linking our past to a sustainable future. The event was coordinated by Horticulture Dept, IIM Jammu. TDD
