Hindi: More Than a Language, It's a Connection to Our Roots

When people move overseas, they carry much more than their dreams and aspirations. They carry their traditions, memories, festivals, food, music and, most importantly, their languages.

For many Indians, Hindi is more than just a language. It is an emotional connection to home, childhood memories, grandparents' stories and conversations that bring families closer. And when you live away from home, that connection becomes even more precious.

In Singapore, where the Indian community comes from diverse linguistic backgrounds, keeping one's mother tongue alive takes conscious effort. While Tamil enjoys strong support through the education system, Hindi too has a long-standing presence, with institutions like DAV Hindi School and The Hindi Society offering classes and examinations, recognized by Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore.

But learning a language in a classroom is different from living it. Children need opportunities to speak Hindi, enjoy its literature and experience the culture that comes with it.

For many parents, the desire is simple yet meaningful: they want their children to speak to their grandparents in Hindi, understand family conversations and stay connected to their roots.

And this is where community initiatives play such an important role — bringing people together and creating opportunities for the next generation to experience, appreciate and keep the language alive.

Across Singapore, several individuals and organizations have been working to promote Hindi through language classes, literary gatherings, poetry recitals, cultural events and community platforms.

One such organization is Sangam Singapore, a non-profit association registered in 2019, dedicated to promoting Hindi language, literature and folk culture. It brings together educators, writers, students and Hindi enthusiasts through cultural programmes, publications and literary activities.

Dr. Sandhya Singh is the Founder and President of Sangam Singapore, and has played a significant role in promoting Hindi language, literature and cultural heritage internationally, including organizing Singapore's first International Hindi Conference in 2024. She is a distinguished Hindi academic, educator, author and researcher at the National University of Singapore (NUS), with over 28 years of experience in Hindi language education, curriculum development and research. An accomplished author and editor, she has received several national and international honors, including the Vishwa Hindi Samman from the Government of India.

She is strongly supported by people like Vinod Kumar Dubey, a sailor by profession, a writer at heart

Born in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, Vinod Kumar Dubey has authored novels such as Indiyapa and Okka-Bokka, along with poetry collections including Weekend Wali Kavita, Jahazi, Betarteeb and Gullak. His writings explore everyday life, relationships, memories and the many emotions that shape our experiences.

He has also been actively promoting Hindi literature and culture in Singapore, an effort recognized through honors such as the Hindi Sevi Samman presented by Singapore Sangam.

Through these initiatives, Dr. Sandhya Singh, Vinod Dubey are not just celebrating Hindi but creating platforms for others to discover, appreciate and connect with the language.

One of the most exciting initiatives associated with Vinod Dubey and Sangam Singapore is the upcoming Ramleela, a large-scale Hindi theatrical production that promises to bring together language, literature, theatre and Indian cultural heritage.

Scheduled for 23 January 2027, this production is particularly special because it will bring school-going children from different schools in Singapore together to portray characters from the Ramayana.

Mr. Vinod Dubey is taking on the role of the scriptwriter, director and narrator of this production. Around 40 performers, most of them students, will bring characters such as Prabhu Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman to life on stage. The event is being organised by Sangam Singapore under the leadership of its president, Dr Sandhya Singh.

For children growing up in Singapore, participating in Ramleela is much more than learning dialogues and performing on stage. It is an opportunity to understand the Ramayana, learn about the values and experience a traditional Indian art form.

Through this experience, children develop confidence, learn Hindi through storytelling and dialogue, understand Indian mythology and traditions, and build friendships while learning teamwork and discipline.

For parents, it is equally meaningful. It offers an opportunity to spend time with their children, support their cultural learning and be part of a shared community experience.

The January timing makes the event even more special, following Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (9 January), Vishwa Hindi Diwas (10 January), the Ram Mandir consecration anniversary (22 January) and Uttar Pradesh Diwas (24January).

Initiatives like these need passionate people willing to give their time and energy to bring communities together.

We often want our children to stay connected to India, but that connection needs more than occasional visits and festivals. It needs shared experiences and opportunities to learn and participate.

If we want the next generation to value our language and culture, we must give them opportunities to experience it.

Be part of this celebration of Hindi and Indian culture. Tickets are already on sale, and the community is encouraged to come forward and support this initiative.