Chandigarh, 9 September: The Department of Hindi at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, and Shuruaat Samiti, Haryana, in collaboration with Punjab National Bank (PNB) and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), organised ‘Hindi Utsav 2026’ on the occasion of the birth anniversary of eminent Hindi litterateur Bharatendu Harishchandra. The programme centred on the theme ‘Interrelationship among Indian Languages’ and celebrated the richness of India’s linguistic and literary heritage. Shri Nishant Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Shri Ashish Chaturvedi, Chief General Manager and Zonal Manager, PNB, Chandigarh, and Shri Aditya Gautam, Executive Director, NHPC, Chandigarh, were distinguished guests on this occasion.
Shri Nishant Yadav asserted that language is a communication medium, and should not be viewed as an impediment to one’s career trajectory. Quoting lines of the poem ‘Manushya aur Sarp’ from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s creation ‘Rashmirathi’, he demonstrated how literature makes one a better human being, and urged students to incorporate literature in their daily lives.
Addressing the gathering through online mode, Shri Shatrujeet Kapur, IPS, Director General, ITBP, emphasised the enduring relevance of books in broadening perspectives and shaping character. He also highlighted the CSR initiatives of ITBP aimed at promoting rural development and strengthening community education through the establishment of libraries in villages of Haryana.
Prof. Sudha Singh, Head, Department of Hindi, University of Delhi, spoke about Bharatendu Harishchandra’s visionary approach, and his emphasis on the development of one’s language as the foundation for all-round development. She urged the audience to reflect on whether contemporary Hindi is close to Bharatendu’s vision of the language. Prof. Singh encouraged students to strive for proficiency in Hindi while simultaneously learning other languages. Emphasising the intrinsic relationship between language and culture, she remarked that language is an expression of culture and a bridge that connects diverse cultural traditions.
Prof. Krishnamohan, Department of Hindi, Banaras Hindu University, highlighted the fundamental importance of language in human life. He observed that while language is generally perceived as a medium of communication and exchange, its significance extends far beyond communication- it is an essential element that makes us human.
Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Department of Hindi, Panjab University, talked about the need to seriously contemplate on the purity of language, and urged the students to take inspiration from Bhartendu’s contribution to literature and language. Mr. Ashish Chaturvedi talked about the legacy that Bhartendu built at a young age.
Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma underscored the transformative power of literature, observing that literature gives direction to life. She urged students to make a conscious endeavour to re-establish their connection with books and cultivate the habit of reading.
The programme brought together distinguished academicians, writers and literary scholars, including Smt Shilpi, noted writer from Varanasi; and Shri Rajiv Ranjan, Chief Public Relations Officer, Energy and Police Department, Haryana. A book exhibition was also held on this occasion.