Staff Reporter
With Reporting from Kashmir Kaur
Wellington, December 20, 2020
The Wellington Hindi School recently conducted its 28th Annual Day with Indian High Commissioner Muktesh Pardeshi in the capital on Sunday, December 6, 2020.
Among those present at the occasion were Second Secretaries at Indian High Commission and Fiji High Commission respectively Paramjeet Singh and Josua Tuwere, community leaders and others from Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.
The Wellington Hindi School is run by volunteers and operates on meagre resources.
In view of Covid-19, Hindi language classes were held this year online from Wellington, Lower Hutt and Newlands.
Relevance of languages
Mr Pardeshi emphasised the importance of learning languages, and their relevance in identifying cultural and social values.
He reiterated the significance of collective voice for policy changes and support for including community languages in New Zealand’s Education Curriculum.
Mr Tuwere said that the well-established and successful Wellington Hindi School inspired the local Fijian community to recently start a Fijian language school in Wellington.
The guests were appreciative of the commitment and calibre of teachers and students at the School. They were recognised with certificates and awards.
Sunita Narayan honoured
Sunita Narayan was honoured with a Special Award for her dedication and 25 years of service to the School and to the development of Hindi language in New Zealand and overseas.
She said, “Although I had taught Hindi in Fiji, these 25 years in New Zealand have been a time of continuous reflection, learning, innovation and growth. The eagerness and sincerity of our students inspire me every day.”
Ms Narayan said that while schools and workplaces are encouraging their people to share their languages and cultures with their colleagues, there are opportunities for more.
“We must together create an ecosystem that offers natural ways of weaving the colourful Aotearoa tapestry,” she said.
Wellington Hindi School Chairperson Kashmir Kaur said that the attendance, performances, awards and support for the school reaffirm the dedication to continue with the good work.
“Huge commitments from parents, teachers, students and board members go into running voluntary organisations like the Wellington Hindi School. But we have that massive responsibility of raising tomorrow’s leaders, even if it takes a village, so we cannot drop the ball.”
The above story has been sponsored by
