(a) whether Hindi is gaining popularity over Sanskrit among Germans as reported in the media;
(b) if so, the details thereof in respect of other countries; and
(c) the steps being taken to popularize Hindi and other languages like Telugu among foreign
countries in future?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) & (b) The Ministry has not seen any media report on this matter. It is, however,
understood that there is increasing interest in Germany in learning Hindi. Fourteen
universities offer courses in Hindi and in addition a number of private institutes also offer
courses in Hindi. Traditionally, Sanskrit has been popular as a classical language among
Germans. Presently 13 universities in Germany offer Sanskrit courses as part of their
Indological studies.
(c) The Ministry has an organised programme for propagation of Hindi abroad with the
involvement of its Missions and Posts. To promote Hindi as an international language, a
World Hindi Secretariat is set up in Mauritius under a bilateral agreement. Functioning of
the Secretariat is coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs and its Mauritian
counterpart in the Government of Mauritius. In addition to this, to popularize Hindi and
other Indian languages like Sanskrit & Tamil, Ministry has established Chairs in few foreign
universities.