Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav has stressed that promotion of Hindi should go hand in hand with the preservation and appreciation of indigenous languages, describing India’s linguistic diversity as one of its greatest cultural strengths.
The Governor was speaking at the Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Hindi Film Song Competition organised by Akashvani Kohima as part of Hindi Pakhwada 2026 at the Akashvani Office Complex, Kohima, on September 24.
Appreciating Akashvani Kohima and the Town Official Language Implementation Committee for organising the programme, Yadav said celebrating language through music was particularly meaningful as music transcends boundaries and fosters fellowship.
Referring to Hindi Diwas and Hindi Pakhwada, the Governor said Hindi plays an important role in facilitating communication among people from different linguistic regions. However, he stressed that its promotion should not come at the cost of indigenous languages.
“In Nagaland, every language carries the history, traditional knowledge, values, songs and stories of a community,” he said, adding that Hindi should therefore be promoted with equal respect for the languages of local communities.
Yadav said learning Hindi could help citizens communicate across the country, while indigenous languages keep communities connected to their roots and identity. He called for an India where different languages and cultures coexist, interact and enrich the national fabric.
Highlighting the significance of the Hindi Film Song Competition, the Governor said music could communicate emotions across linguistic boundaries, while Hindi film songs had become part of the shared cultural memory of generations of Indians.
He also appreciated Nagaland’s vibrant musical tradition and the enthusiasm of its younger generation, saying music had emerged as an important medium through which the State interacts with the rest of the country and the world. He said the competition provided an opportunity for officers and staff from different offices to showcase their talents, build fellowship and strengthen national integration.
Congratulating the winners and participants, Yadav said participation itself had great value as performing builds confidence, practice develops discipline, listening fosters appreciation, and group activities strengthen friendship and camaraderie.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The Governor also appreciated the longstanding role of Akashvani Kohima in providing news, information, education, music, culture and public messages. In a geographically challenging State like Nagaland, he said, broadcasting plays an important role in providing a platform for local voices, languages, music and traditions while connecting the State with the rest of India.
Referring to the changing communication landscape, Yadav said digital platforms and social media had transformed the way people communicate and consume information, but the fundamental purpose of public broadcasting—to inform, educate and connect people—remained relevant.
On official communication, the Governor stressed that clear communication leads to better administration. He called for official communication to be precise, simple, accessible, inclusive and people-friendly, adding that the progressive use of Hindi in official work should ultimately contribute to effective communication and better public service.
Calling for the spirit of Hindi Pakhwada to continue beyond the fortnight, Yadav encouraged people to promote Hindi while respecting English and all other Indian languages. He also urged young people to learn multiple languages and preserve indigenous languages and the traditional knowledge embedded in them.
Concluding his address, the Governor said: “Many languages, many cultures, many voices—but one shared spirit of India.”
He congratulated the prize winners, participants, organisers and the Town Official Language Implementation Committee and extended his best wishes to all those associated with the programme.
