Partnership in Promoting Cultural Diversity through Culture and Language

Culture and language plays a significant role in promoting diversity and unity. This message was articulated at the commemoration of World Hindi Day organised by the Bank of Baroda in Suva.

The program provided an opportunity for speakers to convey their messages on the importance of Hindi language in advancement of cultural and educational values. The event was attended by officials from the Government, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and educational institutions along with the staff of Bank of Baroda.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the occasion, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Jitendra Karan commended the efforts of organisation like Bank of Baroda that takes proactive role in promoting cultural diversity through such awareness initiatives on culture and language.

PS Karan said initiatives of this nature also enhances partnership opportunities not only in the education sector but potentially in other development sectors as well. He also acknowledged the support provided by the Indian High Commission in Fiji for their commitment through the longstanding bilateral relations with Fiji that extends in many important areas of cooperation, be it culture and language, education, health and socioeconomic development programs.

Acting High Commissioner of India Mr. Sukanta Charan Sahoo acknowledged the efforts of Bank of Baroda in celebrating this important occasion that is observed worldwide. He said such initiatives make significant impact in supporting language and literature within the education system as well as preserving the cultural values, information and knowledge as an important element of any society.

He reaffirmed the Indian High Commission’s commitment to support the education sector and initiatives that enhances learning of Hindi language and curriculum. In its recent assistance to Ministry of Education, the Indian High Commission had donated over 1800 Hindi textbooks.

CEO of Bank of Baroda Fiji, Mr. Sudhansu Sekhar Khamari said that the World Hindi Day is an important annual event in their corporate calendar that they celebrate with great enthusiasm each year.

He thanked PS Karan and Acting High Commissioner Sahoo for attending the event and conveying their messages respectively on the importance of cultural diversity.

The World Hindi Day or Vishwa Hindi Diwas is observed on January 10 every year.