Former Prime Minister of India - Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

PM's message to 7th World Hindi Conference, Suriname

The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has urged Hindi scholars and Hindi knowing persons to work with full dedication for the progress and popularity of Hindi so that Hindi could get its due place of pride at the international level. In his message to the inaugural session of the 7th World Hindi Conference which is being held at Paramaribo in Suriname today, the Prime Minister said that the very identity and culture of a nation is reflected by its own language. Only that nation can earn respect and prestige in the world comity which takes pride in its culture and traditions. We get acquainted with our literature, music and civilization through our language only, the Prime Minister added.

Shri Vajpayee said that India is a democratic and secular country where people of divergent religions and languages live together and Hindi serves as a link amongst them. Hindi has full capability of establishing emotional bonds amongst millions of people. On one hand it reflects our national unity and integrity while on the other it is a living embodiment of cultural unity on Indian soil. Hindi has enriched itself by adopting various words from different Indian and foreign languages and has today become a language of conversation for millions.

The Prime Minister said that his heart is with the World Hindi Conference although he could not attend the same due to some official engagements.

Speaking about the close friendly ties between India and Suriname the Prime Minister said that the people of Indian origin have left an imprint of their culture and civilization in this country. He hoped that the World Hindi Conference will further strengthen these bonds.