Declaring that the era when progress was equated with the Westernisation was over, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on observed that many languages, including Hindi, and traditions that were suppressed during the colonial era are once again finding voice at the global stage.
”In such a situation, it is essential that the world is better informed about all cultures and societies. And one way of doing that is by broadening the teaching and usage of languages, including Hindi,” he said inaugurating the 12th Vishwa Hindi Sammelan in Fiji.
Assessing the changes in the world over the last 75 years, he noted that there has been a rebalancing in the international system. This was inevitable as more and more countries gained independence. ”Initially, this took an economic form. But, soon enough, it developed a political facet as well. This trend is gradually creating greater multi-polarity. But if it is to develop faster, it is essential that there is also cultural rebalancing,” he added.
Jaishankar was of the view that the world must recognise that globalisation did not mean uniformity. In fact, it was only by understanding and accepting the diversity of the world that one could do full justice.
”Indeed, that is the real meaning of a democratic world order. A conference, such as this, that highlights Hindi language sends a strong message in this regard. It signals language both as a bonding across societies as well as being an expression of identity. And it underlines that when there is a larger celebration of language and culture, the world is better for it,” he added.
The Indian minister said that at a gathering like the Vishwa Hindi Sammelan, it was natural that the focus should be on different aspects of the Hindi language and its global usage and propagation. Indeed, these were the very subjects that would occupy attention over the next few days. ”And we will be looking at Hindi as an expression of a knowledge tradition that has had global implications. However, I believe that this is also an occasion when we should reflect on the importance of Hindi in the context of international relations in the contemporary era,” he said.
He said the presence of so many Hindi speakers across geographies was a testimony to the effectiveness of globalisation. Migration and mobility were not new phenomena and Fiji itself, he noted, was a telling example in that regard. But what has changed now was that the requirements of the modern economy encourage a freer flow of skills.
As the knowledge economy advances, the world should prepare to see a broader demand for talent. ”Many more of us will visit, engage and work in foreign environments. In this scenario, it is imperative that we address the culture, identity and heritage of those who may have left their land of origin. And a focus on language is one very effective way of dealing with these issues. Because language is much more than an expression; it is actually a culture,” he added.