New Delhi: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today addressed the International Hindi Olympiad – Prize Distribution and Amrit Kumbh Samman Ceremony 2026 organised by the Hindi Olympiad Foundation at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of students, educators, scholars, and eminent guests from across the country and abroad, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Hindi is not merely a language of communication but the living expression of India’s civilisational consciousness. He stated that language carries the essence of a nation’s traditions, values, and cultural continuity, and serves as the foundation of intellectual self-reliance.
Describing the event as a “Mahakumbh of linguistic awareness,” Kavinder Gupta remarked that in the age of globalization, cultural identity is the strongest pillar of national strength, and language is its most powerful instrument. He observed that true freedom is incomplete without linguistic confidence and that thinking, innovating, and creating in one’s mother tongue strengthens both individual self-belief and national character.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that Swami Vivekananda advocated Hindi (Hindustani) as a vital link for national unity. While respecting all mother tongues, he believed Hindi could connect diverse regions and make knowledge accessible to the masses, strengthening India’s cultural identity and fostering true national awakening through language. He further said that former Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee elevated Hindi to new heights of global recognition by articulating India’s voice in Hindi at international forums, demonstrating that language is a symbol of national self-respect.
Kavinder Gupta further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is carrying forward this proud legacy by consistently promoting Hindi on global platforms. He observed that the Prime Minister’s use of Hindi at international forums reflects India’s rising confidence and reaffirms the nation’s cultural identity and linguistic self-respect. He maintained that the Prime Minister’s address at the India AI Summit in Hindi sent a powerful message that even in deliberations on cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence, India articulates its vision with confidence in its own language — symbolising the seamless confluence of tradition and innovation in a New India.
Highlighting India’s multilingual heritage, Kavinder Gupta clarified that Hindi complements all Indian languages and serves as a unifying link across diverse regions. He stressed the need to expand the use of Hindi beyond literature and administration into science, technology, research, artificial intelligence, startups, digital innovation, and the judiciary. He also underlined the opportunities created by the National Education Policy in promoting Indian languages as mediums of knowledge and innovation.
Speaking about the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor described it as a symbol of cultural resilience, spiritual depth, and patriotic commitment. He highlighted Ladakh’s rich linguistic diversity, including Ladakhi, Balti, and Purigi, and stated that Hindi plays a significant role in connecting the region with the national mainstream. He also referred to Ladakh’s progress in renewable energy, sustainable development, and self-reliance, noting that its youth are confidently embracing both their mother tongues and Hindi as instruments of growth and national integration.
The ceremony was presided over by Rajesh Vats, President of the Hindi Olympiad Foundation, and coordinated by Hemlata, who presented an overview of the Foundation’s initiatives aimed at promoting Hindi globally. Among the distinguished guests present were Master Jai Bhagwan Yadav, Deputy Mayor of Delhi; Dr. Pradeep Kumar (IRS), Joint Director, GST; Dr. Renu Singh, Principal Director, Amity International School, Noida; Sunila Athale; and educationist Dr. Ayushi Ketkar. The proceedings were conducted by Gopal Sharma.
During the ceremony, winners of the International Hindi Olympiad and distinguished contributors to the promotion of Hindi were conferred with the Amrit Kumbh Samman in recognition of their excellence and dedication to the language.
Congratulating the organizers and participants, the Lieutenant Governor called upon students to take pride in their mother tongue, strengthen the use of Hindi in academic and digital domains, and contribute to the enrichment of all Indian languages.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks followed by the National Anthem.
