US: Indian PM pitches for devp of Hindi software

New York, July 14: Making an appeal for including Hindi as an official language of the United Nations, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today underlined the need for the inclusion of the writings of NRI writers in Hindi language curriculum and called for the development of Hindi software and search engines.

In a message to the 8th World Hindi Conference which began here today, Mr Singh said Hindi has now become an international language which is being spoken by the second largest number of people in the world. Hindi is being taught in more than 100 Universities globally, he pointed out.

Calling for giving more respect to Hindi language, Dr Singh said the works of NRI writers should be included in the curriculum of Hindi language and standard text books be made available in the countries where Hindi is being taught.

The Prime Minister said the government would continue its efforts to get Hindi recognised as one of the official languages of the UN.

He said a World Hindi Secretariat has been functioning in Mauritius.

Recalling a speech delivered by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the first World Hindi Conference in Nagpur in 1975, Dr Singh said Hindi would become a powerful language only when traders, scientists and common men alike start using it in their everyday calling. Terming the holding of the Conference in the United States as important, the Prime Minister said India and the US have friendly relationship between its two governments and people.

He said this cordial relationship will only be strengthened in the coming days.

Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma, who is the leader of the Indian delegation to the conference, pointed out that Hindi was the language and identity of the world's largest democracy and must be recognised as an official language of the UN.

Mr Sharma said after seeing the enthusiasm of Hindi loving pepole gathered here from all corners of the world, he was confident of Hindi being included as one of UN's official languages.

Mr Sharma said India's views were taken seriously by UN and other international fora. India, the world's largest democracy with a population of 110 crore, has been playing a significant role in spreading peace and democracy. He said people of other countries want to learn Hindi and other Indian languages to get associated with the country and to benifit from India's rapid economic growth.

The minister also appealed to the Hindi scholars to make the language flexible so that people can learn and understand it easily.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon assured the conference and Hindi lovers 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, 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 comprises eminent Hindi writers, journalists, and representatives of Hindi organisations, including those from non-Hindi speaking regions.

Dr Karan Singh, MP and ICCR President, is the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to the conference.

After the opening ceremony, 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 artistes 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.

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