Cairo- Nessma Youssef
The Embassy of India in Cairo commemorated World Hindi Day on 29th January 2025 at Gomhouria Theatre, Cairo bringing together a diverse audience to celebrate the global significance of the Hindi language.
The event was graced by Prof. Ahmad Quadi as the Chief Guest, along with distinguished professors from various universities, students, language enthusiasts, and members of the India diaspora.
World Hindi Day marks the historic occasion when Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1949. As the third most spoken language in the world, Hindi is the mother tongue of approximately 400 million people and serves as one of India’s official languages. Beyond India, Hindi and its linguistic derivatives are spoken in over 20 countries, highlighting its widespread influence.
In her address, Charge d’Affaires Ms. C. Sushma read out message of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on World Hindi Day. She emphasized the growing interest in the Hindi language among Egyptian students and its increasing role in cultural and educational exchanges between India and Egypt. She further expressed her deep appreciation for Egypt’s enduring enthusiasm for Indian culture and language.
Delivering an inspiring speech in Hindi, Prof. Ahmad Quadi, Former Head of the Department of Urdu, Faculty of Languages and Translation, Al Azhar University, underscored the language’s global relevance and its ability to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Prof. Quadi published several noteworthy original and translated works and research papers in Arabic, Urdu and Hindi including translation of ‘History of modern India-authored by Bipan Chandra” in to Arabic.
The celebration featured captivating performances of Hindi poetry recitation and Hindi songs by the Egyptian students and members of the Indian diaspora, showcasing their deep appreciation for Hindi. Egyptian student Aasma Yassir presented her own poem “Chalo Kuch Achchha Karte Hai”, while Christina delivered a soulful rendition of the Hindi song “Teri Mitti”.
To mark World Hindi Day 2025, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, under the Embassy of India, organized a series of Hindi language competitions, including Handwriting, Extempore Hindi Speaking, Poetry Recitation, and Essay Writing. Egyptian students participated enthusiastically, demonstrating their keen interest in Hindi. Winners of these competitions were honored with prizes and awards, recognizing their exceptional performances and dedication to learning the language.
The event signifies the deep cultural bond between India and Egypt, two ancient civilizations that have enriched the world with their heritage and knowledge. It also served as a testament to the growing cultural and linguistic ties between India and Egypt, further strengthening their historical bond.
