World Hindi Day, observed annually on January 10th, serves as a testament to the cultural and linguistic richness of the Hindi language. As Hindi gains prominence globally, efforts are underway to secure its recognition as an official language at the United Nations (UN). The External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, has noted progress in this direction, acknowledging that it will take time. In the backdrop of these developments, corporates can play a crucial role in contributing to the preservation and empowerment of Hindi on the international stage.
Hindi’s Ascent to Global Recognition
The journey of Hindi to a global linguistic force has been remarkable. The vibrant Indian diaspora, the global appeal of Bollywood, and India’s rising economic influence have collectively propelled Hindi onto the international stage. The recent efforts by India’s External Affairs Minister to secure official recognition for Hindi at the UN further underline the language’s growing significance in international diplomacy and discourse.
United Nations and Hindi
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has highlighted ongoing efforts to get Hindi recognized as an official language at the UN. While progress has been made in this direction, he emphasized that it is a process that will take time. As part of the current collaboration, there exists a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the UN regarding the use of Hindi at its headquarters. Hindi is currently employed in social media and newsletters, showcasing its potential for broader adoption. However, introducing a language into the UN processes is a complex task, and the gradual approach underscores the intricate nature of this linguistic integration.
Role of Corporates in Promoting Hindi
1. Corporate Engagement in Language Empowerment
Corporates, as influential entities, have a significant role to play in shaping the trajectory of Hindi on the global stage. While English proficiency has long been the primary focus in the corporate world, recognizing the value of Hindi fluency can open new avenues for businesses. It is essential for corporates to move beyond a single-language-centric approach and embrace linguistic diversity within their organizations.
2. Promoting Hindi Fluency
Corporates can contribute to language empowerment by giving more prominence to Hindi fluency among their workforce. This involves incorporating Hindi language training programs and workshops as part of professional development initiatives. Providing employees with the opportunity to enhance their Hindi language skills not only fosters a multilingual work environment but also aligns with the cultural diversity that defines the global landscape.
3. Cultural Sensitivity and Communication
Encouraging Hindi fluency goes beyond language skills; it involves an appreciation for cultural nuances. Corporates can organize cultural exchange programs, inviting experts to share insights into Hindi literature, history, and traditions. This not only enhances language proficiency but also cultivates cultural sensitivity among employees, facilitating more effective and respectful communication.
4. Corporate Sponsorship for Hindi Education
In addition to supporting broader language initiatives, corporates can specifically sponsor Hindi language education programs. This could involve collaborating with educational institutions to design tailored Hindi courses for employees. Such programs can be structured to accommodate varying proficiency levels, ensuring that employees have access to continuous learning opportunities.
5. Expanding the Use of Hindi
Building on collaborations with language-focused organizations, corporates can explore innovative ways to incorporate Hindi into their daily operations. Beyond official documentation, businesses can introduce Hindi in internal communications, meetings, and collaborative platforms. This shift not only normalizes the use of Hindi within the corporate environment but also demonstrates a commitment to linguistic diversity.
6. Hindi Content Creation and Promotion
Corporates can actively contribute to the growth of Hindi by sponsoring and promoting content creation in the language. This could involve supporting Hindi literature, films, and other creative endeavours that showcase the language’s versatility and richness. By incorporating Hindi content in marketing materials, websites, and social media, businesses can contribute to the wider acceptance and appreciation of Hindi on a global scale.
7. Digital Platforms and Hindi Outreach
The digital realm provides a powerful avenue for language promotion, and corporates can leverage technology to create digital platforms specifically designed for Hindi language learning. Investing in user-friendly language apps, online courses, and interactive learning modules can make Hindi more accessible to employees, fostering a culture where proficiency in Hindi is seen as an asset.
As World Hindi Day unfolds, the global recognition of Hindi and its potential as an official language at the UN are paramount. Corporates, recognizing the significance of Hindi’s global rise, can align their efforts with language preservation and empowerment initiatives. By embracing Hindi in their operations, supporting education programs, and leveraging digital platforms, businesses can contribute to the language’s growth and prominence, solidifying its place in the interconnected world.
