Lucknow: On the occasion of World Hindi Day, the CSIR–Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) organised a Scientific Hindi Seminar-cum-Workshop in a grand manner at the Utsav Auditorium. The programme began at 9:30 am and witnessed enthusiastic participation from scientists, researchers, officers and students.
The event saw scientific presentations by 12 research scholars from CSIR-CIMAP and other CSIR institutes in Lucknow, including the CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and the CSIR–Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR). Nearly 300 participants attended the seminar. The Chief Guest of the programme was Padma Shri Dr. Vidya Vindu Singh, noted litterateur and former Joint Director of the Hindi Institute.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, following an invitation by Dr. Anil Kumar Maurya, Hindi Officer, CSIR-CIMAP. Thereafter, Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP, delivered the welcome address and briefly explained the concept and objectives of the seminar and workshop. Highlighting the historical significance of World Hindi Day, Dr. Trivedi emphasised that the preservation and promotion of language are essential for societal progress.
He underlined that promoting science communication in Indian languages would democratise knowledge and help disseminate scientific thinking across all sections of society. Stressing the role of Hindi, Dr. Trivedi urged scientists to present their research in local languages so that common people could better understand science and benefit from it. He stated that making science accessible in one’s mother tongue is crucial for strengthening scientific temper in the country.
In her keynote address, Padma Shri Dr. Vidya Vindu Singh shared her views on the importance of Hindi in scientific communication. She said that Hindi plays a vital role not only in reaching a wider audience but also in strengthening India’s cultural and intellectual traditions. Emphasising that “Hindi is our mother language,” she called for greater progress in scientific writing and dialogue in Hindi, adding that understanding Hindi is akin to understanding India itself.
The scientific seminar was conducted by Dr. Karuna Shankar, with active participation from scientists, researchers and fellows of CSIR-CIMAP, CSIR-NBRI and CSIR-IITR. The discussions focused on promoting scientific writing, research and communication in Hindi, along with exploring ways to increase the use of Hindi in scientific research.
The programme concluded with the presence of Dr. Anant Hegde, Member of Parliament and former Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, as the chief guest at the valedictory session. He praised the efforts being made to promote Hindi in the country and said that Hindi has always played a vital role in uniting the nation.
After the presentation of scientific research papers, all participants were felicitated with certificates and institute mementos by the Chief Guest and the Director of CSIR-CIMAP. It was also proposed that all four CSIR laboratories in Lucknow jointly organise special Hindi-related programmes every year. The seminar-cum-workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anil Kumar Maurya followed by the National Anthem.
