Department of Official Language organises

India Gazette

12-07-2025

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 12 (ANI): Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs organised 'Dakshin Samvad' in Hyderabad as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The event became a vivid testimony to linguistic harmony, the multilingual consciousness of the nation, and the continuous progress of the Hindi language.
In her welcome address, Secretary of the Department of Official Language, Anshuli Arya, said in a press note, 'Today's celebration - 'Dakshin Samvad' - is being organised in South India because Hindi has been adopted as the official language across the nation. Therefore, the celebration should not remain confined to a central event but be observed nationwide. With this spirit, we have gathered today on the historic and culturally rich land of Hyderabad. Hyderabad--where the voices of Telugu, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, and English echo together--is not just a city, but a reflection of India's multilingual soul.'
She also remembered Ramdhari Singh, the first official language advisor to the country's government as a person who raised a fearless voice in favour of Hindi in the Parliament.
'The Department of Official Language was established on 26 June 1975. Many scholars, officers, and dedicated workers have contributed to this journey--some no longer with us physically, yet their memory and contributions remain indelible. We especially bow to the poet laureate Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, who was the first Official Language Advisor to the Government of India and who raised a fearless voice in favour of Hindi in Parliament,' Arya said.
Highlighting the department's 50-year journey, she said that initiatives including 'Mantra' and 'Leela' had strengthened the department technologically.
'To promote the use of Hindi in offices, the department provided policies, rules, training programs, and technological tools. The inspections by the Parliamentary Committee on Official Language accelerated these efforts. Initiatives like 'Mantra,' 'Leela,' 'e-Mahashabdakosh,' and 'Kanthasth' have strengthened the department technologically. After 2014, this journey gained special momentum,' she stated.
Speaking on the Prime Minister's role in bringing a revolutionary change in the perception of Hindi, she said, 'The simple, impactful, and spirited speeches delivered by the Hon'ble Prime Minister in Hindi, both in India and abroad, have brought a revolutionary change in the perception of Hindi among the youth. Among the five pledges he envisioned for a 'Developed India,' two--freedom from the mindset of slavery and pride in our cultural heritage--continue to inspire the Department of Official Language.'
Expressing gratitude to the Home Minister, Chief Guest G. Kishan Reddy said he was thankful that Hyderabad was chosen for this event.
He remarked, 'In these fifty years, the Department of Official Language has accomplished significant work. Promoting Hindi is the foremost duty of every Indian.'
Guest of Honour Pawan Kalyan appealed for the use of Hindi on social media platforms.
'If we can learn foreign languages, why hesitate with Hindi? Hindi is easily understood across the country. I personally use Hindi on social media. On this Golden Jubilee of the Department, let us resolve to love Hindi, adopt it, and promote it,' said Kalyan.
Recalling former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, he said, 'Language should connect hearts. Let us view Hindi from this perspective.'
Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh said, 'Inspiration to promote Hindi came from those whose mother tongue was not Hindi. Today, the Hon'ble Prime Minister and Home Minister are furthering that tradition.'
Professor Manikyamba said, 'Over my 55-year tenure, I have witnessed the flourishing of the Official Language. The Veena of the Official Language resonates with the collective tones of all languages.'
Professor Anant Krishnan said, 'I am here representing Tamil Nadu and proudly say that a favourable environment for Hindi is taking shape there.'
On this occasion, several Hindi publications from various institutions were released, including contributions from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), ONGC (MRPL), Central University of Tamil Nadu, Indian Institute of Millets Research, Union Bank of India, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Indian Bank, and the Central Hindi Institute, Hyderabad.
It is noteworthy that the Department of Official Language completed 50 years on 26 June 2025. The first Golden Jubilee celebration was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where major departmental achievements were showcased through book releases.
This symbolic event signified that the journey of the department had transcended policy frameworks and become entwined with national pride and consciousness. Bharat Mandapam--recently a venue for G20 global summits--has now emerged as an inspiring stage for the promotion of Hindi and Indian languages.
Carrying this spirit forward, the second major event of the Golden Jubilee year, 'Dakshin Samvad,' was organised in Hyderabad on 11 July 2025, becoming a symbol of harmonious dialogue rooted in southern India's linguistic and historical diversity.
This event affirms that the Golden Jubilee of the Department is no longer confined to Delhi but has evolved into a national celebration, with Hindi now playing the role of a unifying force for dialogue across the country.
On this occasion, the winners of sports competitions held for officers of the Central Secretariat Official Language Service and subordinate offices under the Department in Delhi were also felicitated.
In the post-lunch idea exchange session, Telugu scholar Professor Manikyamba, Professor Annapurna Charla, Kannada scholar T. R. Bhatt, and Tamil scholar Anant Krishnan shared their views on the harmony between Indian languages and Hindi.
All speakers expressed a shared sentiment of love for Hindi and affirmed their commitment to adopting and promoting it as a path towards a more harmonious India.
The concluding session featured a vibrant cultural program showcasing India's linguistic and cultural diversity, which captivated the audience. (ANI)