International Hindi Association’s Convention Held In Indiana
L to R: Raju Chinthala (President, Indiana-India business council), Diego Morales, Somath Ghosh, Sue Finkam, Mark Myers, Rakesh Kumar and Dr. Deovrat Singh.
India-West Staff Reporter
CARMEL, IN – The Indiana Chapter of the International Hindi Association (IHA) successfully organized its 21st Biennial Convention on July 28-29, here, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India. The convention, with the theme “Hindi Education for the Next Generation,” offered an engaging program that catered to attendees of all ages.
The event attracted more than 350 participants, including Hindi professors from India, US universities, and around 40 Hindi activists and distinguished guests from various parts of the United States. The Consul General, Somnath Ghosh, was the chief guest and Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State, was the guest of honor.
The two-day convention featured insightful sessions on various topics related to Hindi language promotion and Hindi studies, with active participation from middle and high school students as emcees. Notably, the event also hosted a captivating Kavi Sammelan on July 29, attended by esteemed poets from India, including Col. (Retd) V.P. Singh, Dr. Sarita Sharma, Sudeep Bhola, and Gaurav Sharma. Two renowned artists, Mamta Ahar and Dr. Anuradha Dubey, mesmerized the audience with their Hindi drama and Kathak dance performances.
The convention’s presentations covered a wide range of subjects, focusing on the importance of maintaining and promoting Hindi language and culture in the American diaspora. Dr. Mithilesh Mishra, a Hindi professor in the US, delivered a lecture on “Issues in Maintenance of Hindi in the American Diaspora,” emphasizing the need to expand Hindi courses to universities in all states. Other topics included insights into parent-child interactions in speaking Hindi, the role of grandparents in preserving cultural heritage, and the availability of online tools for learning Hindi.
The convention ended on a high note with a panel discussion, chaired by Dr. and Mrs. Mahesh Goel and Dr. and Mrs. Bajpai, summarizing the key takeaways from all presentations. The participants pledged to continue working towards promoting Hindi language and culture, fostering a stronger connection with India’s rich heritage.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar led the organizing efforts, with the support of Vice President Vidya Singh, Secretary Dr. Kumar Abhinava, and other committee members.
