Leh, 23 February (H.S.): The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today stated that Hindi is not merely a language of communication but the living expression of India’s civilisational consciousness.
“Language carries the essence of a nation’s traditions, values and cultural continuity and serves as the foundation of intellectual self-reliance,” he said.
Kavinder Gupta was addressing during the International Hindi Olympiad – Prize Distribution and Amrit Kumbh Samman Ceremony 2026 organised by the Hindi Olympiad Foundation at the C D Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of students, educators, scholars and eminent guests from across the country and abroad, the LG remarked that in the age of globalization, cultural identity is the strongest pillar of national strength and language is its most powerful instrument.
He observed that true freedom is incomplete without linguistic confidence and that thinking, innovating and creating in one’s mother tongue strengthens both individual self-belief and national character.
The LG stated that Swami Vivekananda advocated Hindi (Hindustani) as a vital link for national unity.
While respecting all mother tongues, he believed Hindi could connect diverse regions and make knowledge accessible to the masses, strengthening India’s cultural identity and fostering true national awakening through language.
“Former Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee elevated Hindi to new heights of global recognition by articulating India’s voice in Hindi at international forums, demonstrating that language is a symbol of national self-respect,” the LG said.
Speaking about the Union Territory of Ladakh, the LG described it as a symbol of cultural resilience, spiritual depth and patriotic commitment.
He highlighted Ladakh’s rich linguistic diversity, including Ladakhi, Balti and Purigi and stated that Hindi plays a significant role in connecting the region with the national mainstream.
He also referred to Ladakh’s progress in renewable energy, sustainable development and self-reliance, noting that its youth are confidently embracing both their mother tongues and Hindi as instruments of growth and national integration.
The ceremony was presided over by Rajesh Vats, president of the Hindi Olympiad Foundation and coordinated by Hemlata.
Among the distinguished guests present were Master Jai Bhagwan Yadav, deputy Mayor of Delhi, Dr Pradeep Kumar, Joint Director, GST, Dr Renu Singh, Principal Director, Amity International School, Noida, Sunila Athale and educationist Dr Ayushi Ketkar.
The proceedings were conducted by Gopal Sharma.
During the ceremony, winners of the International Hindi Olympiad and distinguished contributors to the promotion of Hindi were conferred with the Amrit Kumbh Samman in recognition of their excellence and dedication to the language.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
