Must take pride in our languages, cultural heritage, says CM Rekha

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday underlined the importance of preserving and promoting Hindi and regional languages, urging people to take pride in their cultural heritage rather than viewing it as inferior to the West.

Speaking at the ‘Samvaadi Delhi Utsav – of Expression’ organised at Miranda House College by a media institute in collaboration with Delhi University, the Chief Minister said that safeguarding Hindi was a “collective responsibility” to ensure future generations recognised its significance.

“Expressing oneself in the native tongue brings unparalleled joy,” she said, adding that events such as these play a crucial role in strengthening the bond between the nation and its languages.

She stressed on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of decolonising the country by shaping a new national identity. She also cited former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s acclaimed Hindi speech at the United Nations as a milestone in the global recognition of the language.

Highlighting community efforts to promote regional languages such as Garhwali and Kumaoni among children, she said such initiatives were inspiring examples of cultural preservation.