NEW DELHI: Marking Hindi Diwas, Israel's Ambassador to India extended heartfelt greetings to the Indian nation, celebrating the Hindi language as a living testament to the enduring power of ancient tongues. In a message shared on Monday, the envoy described Hindi as an 'ancient language' that remains vibrant and widely spoken in contemporary times.
The gesture underscores the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. By acknowledging Hindi Diwas — observed annually on September 14 to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as one of India's official languages — Israel highlighted its appreciation for Indian heritage and its commitment to deepening bilateral relations beyond trade and security into the realm of soft diplomacy.
Hindi Diwas is celebrated across India every year to honor the constitutional recognition of Hindi written in the Devanagari script as an official language of the Union government. The day also serves as a reminder of India's linguistic diversity and the ongoing dialogue between promoting a national language and respecting the country's rich mosaic of regional tongues.
The Israeli mission's message drew particular attention for its comparison of Hindi to Hebrew — another ancient language that underwent a remarkable revival in the modern era. Hebrew, once primarily a liturgical language, was resurrected as a spoken vernacular following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Diplomats and language scholars have frequently cited this parallel as a powerful example of how ancient languages can remain relevant and dynamic in the 21st century.
Indian officials welcomed the gesture, noting that language diplomacy often opens doors that formal agreements alone cannot. The exchange reflects a broader trend in India-Israel relations, where cooperation has expanded significantly in recent years across defence, agriculture, technology, and cultural exchanges.
The celebration of Hindi Diwas this year carried added resonance as India continues to champion the importance of multilingualism and linguistic heritage on the global stage, including through initiatives such as the International Mother Language Day observance at the United Nations.
