Grand Valedictory Ceremony of Rajbhasha Hindi Utsav-2026 Held at BBAU: Winners Felicitated with Certificates, Medals and Cash Prizes

Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, organised the valedictory ceremony of Rajbhasha Hindi Utsav-2026 on September 30 under the aegis of the Hindi Cell. The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Shri Manvendra Singh, as the Chief Guest. Former Cabinet Minister of the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Member of Parliament, Dr. Ashok Bajpai, In-charge Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunita Mishra, Prof. Munna Tiwari from Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Registrar Dr. Ashwini Kumar Singh and Programme Coordinator Dr. Baljeet Kumar Srivastava were also present on the dais. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tribute to the portrait of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Following the rendition of the University anthem, the organising committee felicitated the dignitaries on the dais by presenting them with angavastram and mementoes as a gesture of gratitude. At the outset, Registrar Dr. Ashwini Kumar Singh welcomed all those present and apprised the gathering of the objectives and outline of the programme. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Ramesh Chandra Nailwal.
Chief Guest and Hon’ble Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Shri Manvendra Singh, said that the language of a nation reflects what the nation thinks, as language serves as a powerful medium of communication among different sections of society. He said that Hindi is as rich in its literary tradition as it is in its dialects. To broaden the development of Hindi, it is essential to give equal importance to its literary heritage, dialects and linguistic diversity. He stated that if a language has literature alone but lacks adequate content and opportunities related to employment, knowledge and science, it would not be able to connect effectively with the younger generation. He said that, keeping in view the needs of the present time, Hindi must be connected with artificial intelligence, quantum technology, science, digitalisation and employment opportunities. He emphasised that it is our responsibility today to ensure that Hindi does not remain confined merely as a language of the past, but develops as a powerful language of the future by connecting it with knowledge, science, technology and employment, enabling it to continuously progress with the younger generation while addressing the challenges of changing times.
Former Cabinet Minister of the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Member of Parliament, Dr. Ashok Bajpai, said that we should take pride in the fact that the makers of the Constitution established Hindi as the official language and emphasised its role as a language of the people. He said that Hindi is not merely a medium of communication but also a language of expression of Indian culture, values, thoughts and emotions. He emphasised the need to develop a sense of pride and respect for Hindi while also understanding its broader character. He said that, to avoid linguistic disputes and establish coordination among different Indian languages, the study of at least one additional Indian language along with Hindi should be encouraged in schools, colleges and other educational institutions. This would not only strengthen respect for Indian languages but also broaden the acceptance of Hindi. He stated that in today’s scientific age, Hindi should not be restricted to literature and its scientific applications should be encouraged.
In- Charge Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunita Mishra, said that India’s identity lies in its linguistic and cultural diversity. The various languages and dialects of the country are an integral part of its rich cultural heritage and strengthen the spirit of unity in diversity. She said that while promoting Hindi, we must also respect other Indian languages. She emphasised that in the present era, acquiring knowledge of more than one Indian language is beneficial for students and young people. Learning another language not only expands the scope of communication but also provides an opportunity to understand the culture, literature and values of different regions. She said that the use of Hindi is continuously increasing in education, employment, communication and various professional fields, while its influence and acceptance are also expanding globally. Therefore, along with the development of Hindi, it is essential to preserve its rich linguistic tradition and maintain harmony among different Indian languages.
Prof. Munna Tiwari of Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, said that despite being Hindi speakers, we have not been able to accord Hindi the recognition and prestige it deserves. He emphasised the need for serious reflection in this regard. He said that the Hindi language has made an invaluable contribution to the development of national consciousness in India and has played an important role as a vehicle of communication and coordination among different regions and communities. He highlighted that several non-Hindi-speaking individuals and scholars have also made significant contributions to the promotion and development of Hindi. Prof. Tiwari said that along with being Hindi speakers, we must also respect the associate languages of Hindi as well as other languages of the country. He said that only by promoting harmony, mutual respect and coexistence among languages can the opposition and hesitation towards Hindi be addressed.
At BBAU, various competitions including Dictation (Su-lekh), Noting and Drafting, Hindi Typing, Essay Writing and Self-Composed Poetry Recitation were organised by the Hindi Cell under Rajbhasha Hindi Utsav-2026, held from September 1 to 30, 2026. The winners who demonstrated outstanding performance in these competitions were felicitated during the valedictory ceremony with certificates, medals and cash prizes by the Chief Guest. On the occasion, a book authored by Dr. Baljeet Kumar Srivastava, titled “Loksahitya ke Vividh Paridrishya”, was also released. At the conclusion, IQAC Director Prof. Shilpi Verma proposed the vote of thanks.
On this occasion, the two-day National Seminar on the theme “Contribution of Dialects to the Development of Hindi: Present Perspective and Future Direction”, organised under Rajbhasha Hindi Utsav, also concluded. The seminar was organised under the patronage of BBAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal by the Hindi Cell, BBAU, in joint collaboration with Hindustani Academy, Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj, and Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, Awadh Province. During the seminar, Head and Dean, Department of Hindi, Prof. Rampal Gangwar, Ramesh Chandra Nailwal, and Dr. Namita Jaiswal were prominently present.
Deans of various faculties, Heads of Departments, teachers, non-teaching staff, research scholars and students were present throughout the program.

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