The Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (MGAHV) in Wardha is set to celebrate a significant milestone, marking its 29th foundation day with a vibrant four-day programme scheduled from January 7 to January 10. The event promises to be a grand confluence of academia, publishing, and public participation, reflecting the university's enduring mission to promote the Hindi language.
A Celebration of Hindi and Heritage
The formal celebrations will kick off on January 8, the university's official foundation day. The day will commence with a flag-hoisting ceremony, leading to the main function at 11 am. The event will witness distinguished guests, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari addressing the gathering via online mode. Former Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' will grace the occasion as the chief guest.
The programme will be presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumud Sharma. Executive Council member Surendra Dubey and senior journalist Anant Vijay will attend as special invitees, adding to the event's prestige.
Book Fair and International Conference Take Centre Stage
A central highlight of the foundation day festivities is a national book fair running from January 7 to 10. This fair is strategically aimed at fostering a robust "book culture" among attendees, from scholars to the general public.
Parallelly, from January 8 to 10, the university, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan, Lucknow, will host a three-day international conference. The conference theme, "Oneness in Indian Literature," is expected to draw scholars from across the globe. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharma confirmed that foreign delegates from countries like Japan and China are anticipated to participate, underscoring Hindi's expanding global footprint.
Cultural Flair and Community Engagement
Moving beyond academic rigour, the celebrations are thoughtfully woven with cultural and community-oriented events to ensure broad public engagement. The schedule includes a mallakhamb performance on January 9, showcasing traditional Indian gymnastics. The festivities will conclude on a flavorful note with a food festival on January 10, giving the entire programme a distinctly inclusive and festive character.
University officials, including Examination Controller Surendra Gadewar, emphasized that the celebrations are designed to mirror both the academic mission and the social role of the institution. Faculty members like Rajeshwar Yadav, Amit Biswas, and B.S. Mirge have joined in appealing to teachers, researchers, students, and Hindi enthusiasts to participate in large numbers to make the event meaningful.
Roots in a Historic Resolution
Providing historical context, VC Prof. Sharma recalled that about 50 years ago, the first Hindi Conference in Nagpur passed a resolution to establish an institution dedicated to spreading Hindi in the region and abroad. "Accordingly, the Hindi university was established in Wardha because of Mahatma Gandhi's stay at Sewagram Ashram & the presence of the Hindi Bhasha Pracharini Sabha, which was set up by Gandhi himself," she explained, linking the university's present to its profound historical and ideological origins.
