JAMMU: The Hindi Cell and the Department of Hindi and Other Indian Languages, Central University of Jammu, jointly inaugurated Hindi Fortnight-2026, being organized from September 14 to 30, 2026, with the objective of promoting love, respect, and pride for the Hindi language among the masses and encouraging the use of Hindi as the Official Language of the University.

As part of the celebrations, a seminar and various Hindi competitions were organized on the inaugural day. In his message, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain expressed satisfaction over the growing interest in the use of Hindi within the University and encouraged all stakeholders to maximize its usage in academic and administrative activities.

The programme commenced with the National Song and was attended by Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, Central University of Jammu; Prof. R. S. Sarraju, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad and currently Senior Language Expert, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Dr. Shashikant Mishra, Head, Department of Hindi and Other Indian Languages; and Dr. Priyanjan, Assistant Director (Official Language), Hindi Cell. The dignitaries were welcomed with mementoes.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Shashikant Mishra greeted the dignitaries, Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officers, staff, and students present in the auditorium. This was followed by the reading of the message issued by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister on the occasion of Hindi Diwas.

In his address, Registrar Prof. Yashwant Singh said that Hindi is not merely a language but the foundation of emotions and cultural connectivity. It is the language that unites India and is deeply connected with the soul of every Indian. He noted that all regional languages of India are related to Hindi in one form or another. Referring to rapid technological advancements, he stated that Hindi is emerging as an important language for Artificial Intelligence and modern digital communication.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. R. S. Sarraju said that Hindi served as India’s contact language before Independence and continues to perform that role today. After the adoption of the Constitution, Hindi became the Official Language of the Union and one of the 22 languages recognized under the Constitution. He observed that with scientific and technological advancement, Hindi has evolved into a language of technology and is witnessing growing international demand. Hindi has become a capable medium for the expression and dissemination of modern knowledge. He highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has accorded significant importance to teaching and learning in Hindi and other Indian languages.

Prof. Sarraju further stated that the rise of India’s middle class has significantly contributed to the promotion and expansion of Hindi. “The vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) can be realized through the strength and widespread use of the Hindi language,” he remarked. He emphasized that universities are not merely institutions that confer degrees but centres that shape ideas, knowledge, and the future. Therefore, Hindi should be developed not only as an Official Language but also as a language of knowledge, research, science, technology, and administration.

On the occasion, Ms. Shamim Nazki, Principal, Higher Secondary School, Vijaypur, delivered an inspiring address and appealed to everyone to adopt Hindi and contribute to its promotion and development.

The gathering was also informed about the initiatives undertaken by the University to promote the use of Hindi as the Official Language. It was highlighted that the provisions of the Official Languages Act, 1963 and the Official Languages Rules, 1976 are being effectively implemented. Regular guidance is provided to departments and administrative branches regarding the use of Hindi, and its usage is encouraged in official correspondence, reports, and publications. Meetings of the Departmental Official Language Implementation Committee are conducted quarterly under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor.

The University is also organizing Hindi training programmes and workshops for non-teaching employees to enhance their proficiency in official work in Hindi. Employees are encouraged to participate in Official Language programmes conducted by the Ministry of Education, the Central Translation Bureau, and other training institutions.

During the programme, it was shared that the University regularly organizes competitions and incentive schemes to encourage the use of Hindi. Branches performing exceptionally well in Hindi implementation are recognized, while essay writing, debates, poetry recitation, creative writing, and theatre competitions are organized for employees and students. The University received commendation certificates and shields from the Nagar Rajbhasha Karyanvayan Samiti in 2024 and 2025 for the effective implementation of the Official Language Policy.

Under Hindi Fortnight-2026, students, officers, employees, and educational institutions across the Jammu Division are being actively involved. Inter-school and inter-college competitions are being organized for students. Additionally, a Hindi Signature Campaign will be conducted on September 18.

For University officers and employees, a Hindi Quiz Competition will be held on September 21, a Noting and Drafting Competition on September 22, a Dictation Competition on September 23, and a Hindi Typing Competition on September 25. Similar Hindi-related competitions are also being organized in various schools and colleges across the Jammu Division.

Presenting the vote of thanks, Dr. Priyanjan, Assistant Director (Official Language), Hindi Cell, quoted the famous couplet of Saint Kabir:

“Aisi vaani boliye, man ka aapa khoy;

Auran ko sheetal kare, aaphun sheetal hoy.”

He emphasized the immense power of words, stating that words can inspire hope in a discouraged person and equally influence the confidence of an individual. He highlighted how the rich tradition of Hindi literature has given voice to the thoughts and creativity of literary stalwarts such as Tulsidas, Kabir, Surdas, Premchand, Mahadevi Verma, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and Agyeya.

Dr. Priyanjan expressed gratitude to the University authorities, the keynote speaker, the Department of Hindi, the School of Languages, members of the jury, the organizing committee, employees, students, and all collaborators. Special appreciation was extended to those who worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of the event.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Anita Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi and Other Indian Languages, and concluded with the National Anthem.

The successful organization of the event was supported by Prof. Bharat Bhushan, Dean, School of Languages; Dr. Ratnesh Kumar Yadav; Dr. Vandana Sharma; Dr. Vinay Kumar Shukla; and Dr. Arvind Kumar Yadav.

Winners of Various Competitions

Slogan Writing Competition

 First Prize: Jiya Kumari

Second Prize: Ramani Prabhakar

Third Prize: Nitashu Rani

Poster Competition

 First Prize: Madhu Yadav

Second Prize: Beauty Kumari

 Third Prize: Saloni Devi

Self-Composed Poetry Competition

First Prize: Kanishka

Second Prize: Govind Ji Kumar

Third Prize: Mangal Pandey

Speech Competition

First Prize: Suneha Sharma

 Second Prize: Vanshika

Third Prize: Priya Choudhary

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