Young Mizos Fall in Love With Hindi

Aizawl, Sep 15 : Till a decade ago Mizos were not keen to learn Hindi, but with changing time, the younger generation has become eager to learn the national language, realizing its importance in their day to day lives. Mizoram Governor Lt General (rtd) M M Lakhera today said he was glad to see that during the past few years people of Mizoram, especially the younger generation, have become interested in learning Hindi.

Speaking at the Hindi Diwas celebration function here, Lakhera said, ''People should not have the misconception that by learning Hindi, the cultural heritage and the customs of the people of Mizoram would be harmed.'' The function was organized by Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC) Aizawl.

Khadi & Village Industries Aizawl director R K Dhamija read out the message of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram during the function.

As a part of the Hindi Diwas celebration and also to popularize the use of Hindi in the Central Government Offices and Corporations, TOLIC will be observing 'Hindi Fortnight' during which competitions - essay, debates, among others would be organized.

People in Mizoram have gradually realized that knowing Hindi could be of great help in the future, including employment and cultural exchange.

''We are the citizens of India. For the integrity of the country, we should learn Hindi. As after crossing Mizoram, we cant even do shopping,'' said C Darlianthanga, the President of the Hindi Teachers Association in Mizoram.

''Till ten years ago, people didn't give importance to Hindi as compared to other subjects and languages. In fact, they regarded the language as irrelevant and of no value since they thought it did not have any prospects,'' Deputy Director of Hindu Education, Mizoram, J H Zoena said.

The government of Mizoram has included Hindi in the school curriculum till standard seven and plans to include it till tenth standard.

Mizoram, presently, has two Hindi training colleges that offer a Bachelor's degree in Education to take up jobs as Hindi teachers to students of standard eleven and twelve.