UN Secretary describes Hindi as beautiful lang

New York, July 14: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon today assured Hindi language lovers from across the globe that the time was not far when the language will get official recognition in the world body.

The United Nations Headquarters conference hall resonated with loud applause when Mr Moon, speaking at the opening ceremony of the 8th World Hindi Conference, greeted the gathering in Hindi, asking,'' Kya Hal Chal Hai?(How are you?)'' Though Mr Moon did not say much about the demand for making Hindi an official language of the United Nations, he wished for the success of the conference which aims to make Hindi an official language of the world body.

Describing Hindi as a ''beautiful language'', the UN chief said the language represented the culture of the Indian subcontinent. He said he came to attend the conference because of his special fondness for India.

At least 800 delegates from the world over, including Hindi scholars, litterateurs, and teachers, are attending the three-day conference, which will end on Sunday.

Among other topics, they will discuss ways of encouraging the use of Hindi in literature for youth and children and in science/ They will also discuss the role of translation literature and Devnagari Lipi, while also taking up the role Hindi cinema can play in realising the aim.

The Indian delegation comprising eminent Hindi writers, journalists, and representatives of Hindi organisations, including those from non-Hindi speaking regions, is headed by Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma while Dr Karan Singh, MP and ICCR President, is the Prime Minister's Special Envoy.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the gathering via video-conferencing,after which the delegates began their first session on "Hindi in the United Nations" chaired by Dr Girija Vyas, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.

The event, co-sponsored by the External Affairs Ministry and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, will also feature exhibitions, cultural programmes by renowned artists and essay competitions.

The delegates, drawn from diverse fields, will also discuss how IT and globalisation can aid in promotion of the language.

The conference will also honour 20 Indian and 20 foreign scholars for their contribution to the world of Hindi literature and culture.

Three books of Prof Kali Charan Snehi Snehi (Lucknow University) 'Jai Bharat Jai Bhim', 'Arachan Apna Apna' and 'Adhunik Bhundeli Kavya' are expected to be released at the conference.

Besides, three exhibitions on ancient Hindi manuscripts, Hindi Books and Hindi and IT has been put up.

The recommendations of the meet are expected to be released by Sunday afternoon.

The earlier editions of the conference were held in Nagpur (1975), Port Louis (1976), New Delhi (1983), Port Louis (1993), Port of Spain (1996), London (1999) and Paramaribo - Surinam (2003).
Speaking after Mr Moon, Mr Sharma said several apprehensions arose about the holding of the Conference at the United Nations but people must have come to know by now that it was a correct and apt decision. He recalled that on June 15 the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a resolution accepting India's request to celebrate October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, as World Non-violence day.

Mr Moon, who has served as a diplomat in India, said he had learnt some Hindi while working in the country and could speak a smattering of the language. He said Hindi has served as a link between many countries and Hindi cinema Bollywood has a significant contribution in this.

He said his son was born in India and his daughter married to an Indian.

UNI

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