Leh, Sept 16: The G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) – Ladakh Regional Centre (LRC), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Regional Research Station, Leh, jointly organized Hindi Pakhwada celebrations on 15th September 2025 at ICAR–CAZRI, Regional Research Station, Leh. The event marked a significant initiative to promote the use of Hindi in scientific institutions while creating awareness of its role in governance, education, and research.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Maheshwar Singh, Regional Head, ICAR–CAZRI, Regional Research Centre, Leh. In his speech, Dr. Singh emphasized the vital role of Hindi as a unifying language that connects diverse communities across India, particularly in regions such as Ladakh where multilingualism is deeply ingrained.
This was followed by the first lecture delivered by Dr. Maheshwar Singh, Regional Head, ICAR–CAZRI on the theme “The Importance and Future of Hindi in Scientific Writing.” In his talk, Dr. Singh underscored how scientific communication in Hindi has gained momentum in recent years, enabling wider outreach of complex knowledge.
The second lecture was presented by Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Scientist, GBPNIHE–Ladakh Regional Centre on “Utility of Hindi Language in Government Institutions” focused on the legal, administrative, and cultural imperatives of adopting Hindi in official frameworks. Dr. Gupta emphasized that the increasing integration of Hindi into institutional functions not only strengthens inclusivity but also enhances transparency in governance.
The academic sessions were followed by competitions to encourage active participation. A Translation Competition tested participants’ ability to translate between English and Hindi with precision, while a Hindi Reading Competition celebrated the richness of Hindi literature through expressive recitations. The contests reflected enthusiasm among staff and participants, showcasing both creativity and linguistic skills. After that the panel of evaluators Dr. Purushottam Kumar Garg, Dr. Naveen Chandra, Dr. Akash Ravindra Hingmangare, and Dr. Dalbeer Singh provided feedback to participants. They stressed that regular practice of Hindi writing and reading is essential for professional growth. The Prize Distribution Ceremony was led by Dr. Maheshwar Singh and Dr. Sandipan Mukherjee, Head, GBPNIHE–LRC, who congratulated participants and motivated them to continue strengthening Hindi in their official and academic work.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Sandipan Mukherjee, Head, GBPNIHE–Ladakh Regional Centre. In his remarks, Dr. Mukherjee expressed gratitude to ICAR–CAZRI, Leh for co-hosting the programme and acknowledged the efforts of all coordinators, speakers, and participants. The program witnessed the gracious presence of Scientific and administrative staff and students from both the institutions.
