Patna: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna inaugurated Hindi Pakhwada 2026 on September 3 at the institute’s Senate Hall, beginning a fortnight of activities focused on promoting the use and cultural significance of Hindi.
The programme was organised ahead of Hindi Diwas and aims to encourage wider use of Hindi in official and everyday communication.
Bihar education minister Mithilesh Tiwari attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest and addressed the gathering on the historical and cultural importance of the language.
IIT Patna Director Calls For Wider Use Of Hindi
Prof T N Singh, director of IIT Patna, said the promotion of Hindi should extend beyond official requirements.
“The soul of Hindustan resides in Hindi,” Singh said, adding that the language should be viewed as part of everyday life rather than merely an official formality.
Prof Preetam Kumar, chairman of the Official Language Coordination Committee, delivered the welcome address and greeted the dignitaries and participants.
Tiwari Highlights Hindi’s Global Presence
In his keynote address, Tiwari referred to instances of Indian leaders using Hindi on international platforms, including former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj addressing the United Nations General Assembly in Hindi.
He also referred to Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 address in Chicago while highlighting the role of Indian languages in representing the country’s cultural identity.
Tiwari described Hindi as an emotional connection to the motherland and emphasised the relationship between language, culture and identity.
Ceremony Marks Start Of Fortnight Programme
The programme was hosted and coordinated by Deepak Chaurasia, security officer at IIT Patna. It began with a rendition of the National Song, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana.
Vijay Kumar, deputy registrar (Academics), delivered the vote of thanks and acknowledged the guests, organisers and participants.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a networking high tea. The institute will conduct various activities during the Hindi Pakhwada programme to encourage the use of Hindi across official and daily settings.
