In collaboration with the Consulate General of India (CGI) and ICCR Australia – Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the South Asian Australian Association (SAAA) Hindi Schools Sydney hosted a vibrant and culturally enriching event in honour of Vishwa Hindi Diwas on Sunday, 23 February 2025. The celebration took place at Parramatta West Public School, bringing together around 100 enthusiastic students and their parents to celebrate the beauty and significance of the Hindi language.
The event was skillfully emceed by Ekta Sharma, who guided the audience through a variety of engaging performances. The students of SAAA Hindi Schools showcased their immense talent and passion for the Hindi language through heartfelt poetry recitations. Their confident performances reflected a deep love and appreciation for the language, creating an inspiring atmosphere for all attendees. One of the event’s highlights was the recognition of seven outstanding students for their excellence in Hindi. M.K. Singh, Founding Member of SAAA Hindi Schools, acknowledged their dedication and achievements in mastering the language. These young achievers have been learning Hindi from an early age and actively speak it at home, reinforcing their connection to their cultural roots.
The event featured two rounds of a Hindi poetry competition, allowing students to showcase their creativity and linguistic skills. The first round required participants to submit their poems via email on the theme “Celebrating Indian Festivals in Australia and What Elements I Miss from India.” Some children submitted handwritten poems, while others recorded videos reciting their compositions. The winners for this round were Suyash Gupta, Palak Arora, and Vedang Srivastav. The second round was an on-the-spot poetry competition held at the venue. Participants were given 15 minutes to compose a poem in Hindi on the theme “The Ocean,” symbolizing the deep connection between India and Australia. The winners of this round were Pratiksha Mehta, Sharanya Shukla, and Aadvika Shukla.
Towards the end of the program, seven exceptional students were felicitated for their excellence in Hindi. These young learners, who have been studying Hindi since the ages of 4-5, were recognized for their dedication to preserving and embracing their linguistic heritage. The awardees included Dhanishka Khatri, Sreshtha Meduru, Maya Singh, Prabhjyot Kaur Juneja, Ananya Nand, Abeer Verma, and Sumedha Deo.
Niyati Mehta, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, presented certificates and awards to all the winners of the poetry competition. In her address, she encouraged the children to continue their journey of learning Hindi, emphasizing its importance in preserving cultural identity and heritage.
The celebration of Vishwa Hindi Diwas was a significant event for the Hindi-speaking community, particularly for young learners, as it helped strengthen their connection to the language and culture. Among the distinguished guests were Sandhya Reddy, Councillor of Strathfield Council, and Dr. Naveen Shukla, President of the Australasian Association of Ayurveda (AAA), who expressed their support and appreciation for the event’s success.
The Vishwa Hindi Diwas celebration in Sydney was a resounding success, bringing together students, parents, and community leaders to honour the richness of the Hindi language. Events like these play a crucial role in fostering a sense of pride and belonging among the younger generation, ensuring that the love for Hindi continues to thrive beyond borders.
