The President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the World Hindi Secretariat building in Port Louis Mauritius.
The logo of World Hindi Secretariat was also launched. Early Digital Learning Programme unveiled foundation stones of a social housing project and a large ENT hospital being built with Indian assistance.
The logo of World Hindi Secretariat was also launched. Early Digital Learning Programme unveiled foundation stones of a social housing project and a large ENT hospital being built with Indian assistance.
World Hindi Secretariat
World Hindi Secretariat is built with a grant of Rs. 33 crore which was funded entirely by India. The land for the secretariat was provided by the government of Mauritius while Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi laid the foundation stone in 2015. The secretariat aims to present Hindi as the language of common man. Undoubtedly, Hindi has played significant role in culture and society building in both India and Mauritius. Indian diaspora in Mauritius has played a huge role in the spread of Hindi.Background of World Hindi Secretariat
- During the first World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur in 1975, Sir Shivsagar Ramgoolam put forth the idea of setting up World Hindi Secretariat. Considering the recommendation of Ramgoolam, the then Prime Minister of Mauritius and President of the delegation decided to give shape to the idea of establishing the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius after the brainstorming at the Second World Hindi Conference held in Mauritius. Consequently, an agreement was signed between the Government of India and the Mauritian Government and the Act was passed in the Legislative Assembly of Mauritius.
- After the 5th World Hindi Conference in Trinidad and Tobago in April 1996, Mauritius Government appointed Dr Smt Sarita Budhu as an advisor in the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research for the works related to the creation of the World Hindi Secretariat.
- The idea was determined into formation and this is how The World Hindi Secretariat (WHS), an international organisation representing countries and regions where Hindi is the first ("mother") or customary language, came into existence
- The main objective of the WHS is to promote Hindi as an international language and further its cause for recognition at the United Nations as an Official Language.
- Vinod Bala Arun was the first secretary-general of the World Hindi Secretariat. The organisation was set up by the governments of India and Mauritius to promote Hindi across the world
President's Two-Nation Visit
- President Sh Ram Nath Kovind embarked a two-nation visit to Mauritius and Madagascar becoming the first Indian President to visit Madagascar. He was the Chief Guest at the main event to mark 50 years of Mauritius’ Independence and during this event four MoUs were signed between India and Mauritius.
- On the second leg of his visit he reached Madagascar, which has close maritime trade links with India since the 18th century. There he held talks with the top leadership expecting to bridge the gap in high level visits between the two countries. The choice of Presidential visit also reflects the historical ties with the two countries with a sizeable Indian-origin population.
Expected Questions
1. In which of the following countries is the World Hindi Secretariat located?
a. Mauritius
b. China
c. Madagascar
d. Other than the above
2. Who among the following is/was the first Indian President to visit Madagascar?
a. APJ Abdul Kalan
b. Pratibha Patil
c. Pranab Mukherjee
d. Ram Nath Kovind
