Question : PROMOTION OF HINDI ABROAD KUNWAR MANVENDRA SINGH

(a) the number of programmes organised in foreign countries with regard to the promotion of Hindi during the last three years;

(b) whether guidelines issued in regard to progressive use of Hindi are implemented by the Indian embassies in foreign countries on an annual basis;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether publicity programmes are conducted for use and promotion of Hindi in foreign countries;

(e) if so, the details thereof during the above period; and

(f) the names of countries wherein Hindi is taught in Universities and Colleges?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

(a) to (e) With a view to promote Hindi our Missions abroad organize various events such as kavi sammelans, mushairas, Hindi essay and debate competitions for children, Hindi workshops jointly with local universities where Hindi is taught and cultural programmes from time to time. Regional Hindi Conferences are also being organised by the Missions with the assistance of the Ministry. 14th September is celebrated as Hindi Diwas every year. For the first time 10th January this year was celebrated as World Hindi Day by many Missions.

Necessary instructions are sent by the Ministry to the Missions from time to time asking them to ensure compliance of the official language rules, annual programme and the guidelines issued by the Deptt. of Official Language. Given the fact that the Missions have to deal with the local Government in the official language of the country concerned, they try to implement these guidelines to the extent possible.

Wide publicity is given by the Missions regarding facility for learning Hindi at Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra, Central Hindi Directorate, New Delhi and Mahatama Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidayala, Wardha. Indian cultural programmes including Hindi film festivals are also organised which help in promotion of Hindi in those countries.

(f) Details are placed on the table of the House based on the information furnished by the Missions.

Details referred to in reply to Part(f) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3940 to be answered on 17/05/2006.

1. Guyana
2. Italy
3. Portugal
4. Thailand
5. Romania
6.Germany
7 Japan
8.Canada
9. Nepal
10.Kazakhstan
11.Pakistan
12.Czech Republic
13.Croatia
14.Armenia
15.Tajikistan
16. Mauritius
17. Israel
18. Poland
19. Uzbekistan
20. Hungary
21. Ukraine
22. UK
23 USA
24. Fiji
25.Norway
26. China
27. Vietnam
28. Bulgaria
29. South Korea
30. Minsk
31. Australia
32.Austria
33. Kenya
34.Turkey