Hindi Univ to mark29yrs with book fair,lit & cultural events

Nagpur: Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Wardha will mark its 29th foundation day with a four-day programme from Jan 7-10 bringing together national publishers, international scholars and general people.The celebrations will formally commence on Jan 8 — the university's foundation day. The day will begin with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by main function at 11am, university officials said.Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari will address the gathering online. Former Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank' will attend as chief guest. The programme will be presided over by VC Prof Kumud Sharma, with executive council member Surendra Dubey and senior journalist Anant Vijay as special invitees.A central attraction of the celebrations will be a national book fair from Jan 7-10 aimed at promoting what the university described as "book culture". From Jan 8-10, the university will also host a three-day international conference on "Oneness in Indian Literature" in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan, Lucknow. Cultural and community-oriented events are woven into the academic schedule to broaden public engagement. A mallakhamb performance is planned for Jan 9, followed by a food festival on Jan 10, giving the celebrations a distinctly inclusive character."About 50 years ago, the first Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur. At that time, a resolution was passed to establish an institution to spread Hindi in this part of the country and abroad," Sharma said. "Accordingly, the Hindi university was established in Wardha because of Mahatma Gandhi's stay at Sewagram Ashram & presence of the Hindi Bhasha Pracharini Sabha, which was set up by Gandhi himself." "Foreign delegates from Japan, China and other countries are expected to participate," she said, adding that Hindi's global footprint expanded steadily.Examination Controller Surendra Gadewar & other officials said celebrations were designed to reflect both academic mission and social role of the university. Faculty members Rajeshwar Yadav, Amit Biswas & BS Mirge joined in appealing teachers, researchers, students & Hindi enthusiasts to participate "in large numbers to make celebrations meaningful".