Image Source: United News of India
Fiji is making waves as it deepens its connection to Hindi, the world’s third most spoken language, with a series of significant initiatives in 2025 that highlight its emerging role as a global center for Hindi culture and education.
Key Highlights:
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Hindi’s Official Status in Fiji: Since 1997, Hindi has been recognized as an official language in Fiji’s Constitution, alongside English and iTaukei, showcasing the rich Indo-Fijian heritage and the language’s everyday importance.
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Government Commitment to Hindi: Fiji’s coalition government is reaffirming its dedication to promoting, teaching, and preserving Hindi, acknowledging its cultural and historical value. Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad has announced targeted efforts to boost Hindi education and visibility, including its ongoing use in Parliament and plans for an Institute of Hindi Studies at the University of Fiji.
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World Hindi Conference in Fiji: Fiji proudly hosted the esteemed 12th World Hindi Conference in Nadi, marking a historic first for a Pacific nation. Co-organized with India, the event drew over 1,000 delegates from 31 countries, including prominent Indian officials and scholars, and featured the unveiling of commemorative stamps and publications.
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Academic and Literary Advances: Dr. Subashni Kumar from Fiji National University launched an innovative research book on Hindi literature, celebrating the literary contributions of the Indo-Fijian community and emphasizing the importance of preserving Hindi as a cultural foundation.
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Cultural Identity and Youth Engagement: The government and community leaders are actively motivating young people to embrace Hindi, striking a balance between the influence of English and the need to maintain their mother tongues. The popularity of Bollywood and local radio programs in Fiji Hindi are helping to bridge generational and cultural divides.
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World Hindi Day Celebrations: Fiji continues to lead the way in global Hindi celebrations, with events, poetry readings, and cultural programs that reinforce the language’s international significance and its unique local evolution as “Fiji Hindi.”
“The historical relationship between Fiji and India is deeply rooted in the Hindi language… It is because of the language.”
— Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad
With these dynamic initiatives, Fiji stands as a beacon for Hindi’s global journey, uniting communities and celebrating a shared linguistic legacy.
Source: Indian Express, FBC News, High Commission of India (Fiji), Deccan Herald, TV9 Hindi, Fiji National University, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, HW
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