LG Sinha delivers keynote address at national Seminar on ‘Integration in Indian Languages’ at National Institute of Technology Srinagar

• Calls upon the youth to transcend linguistic differences and unite the nation to transform India into Viksit Bharat
• You have to create a glorious and developed India by completely eliminating every trace of colonial mindset: LG to Youth

SRINAGAR: With the peace and stability, with the spirit of unity and common goals, and fostering a strong collective identity, India will achieve robust development, the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha said on Friday. He was speaking at a national Seminar on Integration in Indian languages organised by Rajbhasha Cell of National Institute of Technology, Srinagar in collaboration with Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti.

The Lieutenant Governor said India's rich linguistic landscape is a source of strength. He said hundreds of languages and dialects have helped in building a cohesive society, which is driving transformation and development. “Despite diverse background, languages, dialects and ideas, a common national identity and shared consciousness unite us all. We must harness the power of unity in diversity for nation-building. Our effort should be to ensure that Hindi continues to serve as an essential bridge, connecting people from different linguistic backgrounds, motivate people to learn other languages, enhancing mutual cooperation and economic integration,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said that all the sections of the society must also strive to preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage inherent in all Indian languages. The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth to transcend linguistic differences and unite the nation to transform India into Viksit Bharat. “You have to create a glorious and developed India by completely eliminating every trace of colonial mindset," the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said the entire world is looking towards India with hope for future prospects. “The 21st century is India's century. It is written in stone. Consistent growth and productivity will make India a dominant global power,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He also encouraged the young students to learn new languages, broaden perspectives and drive innovation. The Lieutenant Governor commended the NIT Srinagar for establishing the Rajbhasha Cell and organising numerous activities for promotion of Hindi language.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated writers, scholars, and researchers for their important contribution to the promotion of diverse languages. The list includes Shri Dr Satish Vimal, Smt. Nasreen Ali Nidhi, Prof. Wahid Nasru,Shri Mohammad Sarim Iqbal, Dr Shafaqat Altaf, Shri Harpal Singh Pali, Prof. Noor Salaam Khan, Dr Vipin Kumar Upadhyay,

Speaking at the seminar, Atul Bhai Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, underlined the pivotal role of Indian languages in nation-building. He said the true spirit of India’s knowledge systems, culture, and traditions can only be preserved through the promotion of mother tongues and indigenous languages. He called for a people’s movement to revitalise Indian languages in education, administration, and cultural exchange, stressing that linguistic pride is integral to national pride.

Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanojia, Director NIT Srinagar, praised the work of the Rajbhasha Cell in the institute and said it is a matter of pride that significant progress has been achieved in promoting Hindi alongside other Indian languages. “We have significantly enhanced the use of bilingual documentation under Section 3(3) of the Official Languages Act, 1963, rising from 0.05 percent to 75 percent,” he added.

Prof. Binod also highlighted that NIT Srinagar has also been advancing in digital initiatives such as e-office systems and the establishment of an innovation hub, which reflects the institute’s commitment to modernisation and inclusive growth. Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; members of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas; prominent literary personalities, scholars, faculty and students were present.

A formal vote of thanks presented by Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, who expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor, dignitaries, scholars, and participants for making the seminar a success and reaffirmed NIT Srinagar’s commitment to advancing the cause of linguistic and cultural integration. The second session of the seminar was held on the theme Unity in Indian Languages – Employment, Skills, and Technology.

It was presided over by Atul Bhai Kothari and featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Shri Parikshit Minhas, Ms. Nasreen Ali ‘Nidhi’, Shri Harpal Singh Pali, Shri Saad Ramzan, Shri Yaqoob, Dr. Shafaqat Altaf, Dr. Parikshit Minhas, Dr. Geeta Nayak, Dr. V. Dayalu, and Shri Rais Ahmad Mir. The panelists deliberated on the importance of linguistic integration in skill development, employability, and leveraging technology for national growth.

This was followed by a symposium on the theme One Language – Many Emotions, presided over by Dr. Satish Vimal. The discussion brought together eminent personalities including Dr. Wahid Raza, Dr. Mukti Sharma, Harpal Singh Pali, Mohammad Sarim Iqbal, Sheikh Mushtaq Hijaz, Neelofar Naaz, and Shahnawaz Nazir. Prof. Wahid hosted the session.

The seminar was organised by the Rajbhasha Cell of NIT Srinagar in collaboration with Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti (Ministry of Education), Government of India, New Delhi. Academic collaboration was done by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthaan, New Delhi, Bhartiya Bhasha Manch Nyas, and Department of Hindi, University of Kashmir.  Dr. Rajesh Prasad Shukla (Hindi Officer), Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. H. S. Pali, and Dr. Jitendra Gurjar and Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Dar, Assistant Registrar (Academics) and Hindi Teaching, training Supervisor were the organisers of the seminar from NIT Srinagar.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory ceremony, during which certificates of participation were distributed by the Director NIT Srinagar, Registrar, and other dignitaries present at the event. The ceremony recognized the contributions of scholars, panelists, and participants, while highlighting their active engagement in the discussions on linguistic integration, cultural preservation, and the role of languages in nation-building. The event coincides with Hindi Pakhwada, celebrated nationwide from September 14–28. The observance commemorates Hindi Day on September 14, marking the adoption of Hindi as the official language in 1949.