BY CORRESPONDENT
Hindi is the world’s third largest speaking language. Surprisingly, its dominance is not only because of India but because of its spread in Mauritius, Suriname, Mali, Malaysia, Nepal and many countries across the world. Kenbharti Centre has celebrated Hindi Divas on 14th September for many years and this year was no exception. Due to the pandemic, the event celebrated real poets at Apa Panth Hall located at High Commission Of India, and later proceeded with a virtual telecast across the globe via YouTube channel of Kenbharti and local TV44 channels of Cable One. Seven poets participated with original scripts. The poets include organisers and chairman Abhijeet Gupta, Manisha Kanthaia, Anu Bafna, Sarita Sharma, Dr Abhay Sinha and Sarika Falor and Yoginder Singh Saini.
”Tum pahoonch chuke attalika ki uss unchai par jhan niche dekhaker dar aur saham jaate hoo” (You have achieved heights but looking down you get afraid as new entrants may cross you) was open challenge of Abhijeet to the so-called stalwarts of society. ‘Oh re Ahiliya’ was the strong voice of women who were not only tortured by demons but also by the gods, was the poetry of Manisha Kanthalia. Dr Sinha’s situational satire on routine husband wife jokes was admirable. Sarika’s corona ka rona and Sarita’s sweet melodious prem geet kept audiences riveted for an hour, a pre-recorded show directed by Abhijeet.
The highlight of the program was the Hindi singing by Austin & Jasper (Halisi Band) from University of Nairobi. The Acting High Commissioner Hon Ashish Sinha was the Chief Guest. He stressed on teaching Hindi to non-Hindi speaking people and pressed upon the work done by Kenbharti members to spread Hindi language. Kenbharti has also inaugurated the e-magazine Hastakshar (by Kenbharti’s sub group Hindi sansthans) 4th edition. This is edited by Dr Sadhna, a PhD in sanskrit and author of two books. Vice Chairman Vikas Vyas spoke highly of Kenbharti’s activities and promoting new talents at Kenbharti Centre.