World Hindi Day recently took place at the FIB Multipurpose Building, Universitas Sumatera Utara, marking a celebration that has been ongoing since 1974. The event aims to bridge people across countries through language and culture, specifically focusing on the recognition of Hindi language and Bollywood culture globally as valuable cultural heritages. This annual commemoration was a collaboration between the Indian Consulate in Medan and Universitas Sumatera Utara.
Mr. Ravi Shanker Goel, the Consul General of Medan, emphasized the popularity of the Indian language, ranking third in the world in terms of number of speakers after English and Mandarin. Beyond linguistic richness, the importance of multiculturalism and intercultural dialogue was underscored by Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt. Language plays a crucial role in uniting people worldwide, as highlighted during the event.
The event provided a platform to foster cross-cultural friendships, celebrate diversity, and strengthen global solidarity relationships. The Dean of FIB expressed hopes that this event would initiate fruitful collaborations between countries, inspiring students and attendees to delve deeper into Hindi language and Indian culture.
Notable figures present at the event included the Consul General of India in Medan, the President of IEAM, the Vice-Chair of Lecturers, the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, the Vice Rector, the Head of NRI Medan, and the Chairperson of the National Education Commission from Universitas Sumatera Utara.
Additionally, the Consul General promoted the learning of local languages, including Hindi, a move that was well received by Universitas Sumatera Utara. The event was a successful occasion that celebrated the richness of language and culture, fostering collaboration and understanding between different communities.
By Hanna Letare.