HINDI DIWAS, BUT MORE…

“Coming from all around the country with our diverse cultures, we have molded a home away from home amidst the Sahyadri” 

Celebrating the regional languages of India allows us to recall the value and eminence of our native languages and the freedom to speak our mother tongue. Suppressed as a colony, Indians fought for the  freedom to speak and cultivate their language. Hindi Diwas is celebrated on the 14th of September to mark the adoption of Hindi, by our Constituent Assembly, as one of the official languages of India, although the word “official” in recent times has been contested and mulled over. It is not just about Hindi, but it highlights a beginning to celebrate ourselves. This blog focuses on celebrating our heterogeneity and history.

We carry a sense of belongingness from where we come from, and it is obviously a sensitive topic to talk about. And, when we talk about Hindi, we associate the same with ‘North India.’ However, is it always essential to distinguish a language by region? Well, when the case of India pops up, the basis of our ‘bifurcated’ states is due to the linguistic and cultural differences, we celebrate. 

Being a student of Christ (Deemed to be University) Pune Lavasa Campus has somehow attenuated the line of diversity we possess. We come together carrying various cultures, spiritualities, and experiences. These ideologies are manifested subconsciously in the way we talk, laugh or even study, creating a distinct atmosphere where we embody our identities, albeit subtly. In spite of this, our main objective here, is to slowly exhibit comprehensive growth (holistic development), which is not only essential for our careers but is a necessity as a basic human being. In Christ, we celebrate a family, a home away from home.

It is important to understand that we need a common link to celebrate solidarity, and with diversity, it almost seems next to impossible. English is a link that joins us. It provides a medium for us to express and understand each other. However, this does not mean that we are completely indifferent to our respective cultures. We can celebrate our cultures with joy, for example, the recent Onam celebrations at the Lavasa campus filled the hearts of our faculties and students altogether with respect and awe for the culture. 

(A still from the Onam celebrations)

Students enthusiastically took part in the same. There were dances, songs, and celebrations of the Kasavu saree and the succulent Sadhya. Not only this, but we celebrate our cultures and diversity on Ethnic Day as well.

At the Lavasa campus, we come together with a sense of belongingness, a comradeship. As Christites, we nurture ourselves to contribute to the dynamic society, and always will be. Although education and knowledge help us to face the challenges of our ever-changing life, the ideals of adaptability and respect for each other forms the integrity of a Christite. Having talked to Professors and first-year students, these ideals of togetherness are what has formed the Lavasa campus. Coming from all around the country we find solace within the Sahyadri Hills and have molded a home away from home. As Prof. Naived said, 

“We come together to celebrate ourselves, as individuals and as a family.”

- An article by Khushi Khurana, 1 BA LLB