Hindi is a language of self-respect, says DC Anupam Kashyap

Shimla, September 9: “Hindi is a language of our self-respect and should be promoted with due dignity,” Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said while addressing the concluding ceremony of district-level inter-school Rajbhasha competitions organised at the Gothic Hall of the historic Gaiety Theatre here on Wednesday.

The competitions, organised by the Language and Culture Department, Shimla, under Rajbhasha Pakhwada-2026, included speech, essay writing and quiz contests. Students from 20 schools across Shimla district participated enthusiastically.

Kashyap said every language had its own importance and encouraged students to learn new languages while respecting their mother tongue. He said Hindi was widely used across the country and praised the department for promoting and preserving the language and culture. He also urged students to determine the direction of their lives with confidence.

Officials and employees who had made outstanding contributions to the promotion of official Hindi in Shimla district were honoured with Rajbhasha awards. District Programme Officer, Women and Child Development, Mamta Paul, Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Shimla, and Rajesh Thakur of the District Welfare Officer’s office received the awards in their respective categories.

In the speech competition, Bhargavi of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Jatog secured first place, Aahana of Swarn Public School, Tutikandi, second, while Bhoomika of DAV Lakkar Bazar and Aarab of Government Senior Secondary School, Theog, jointly secured third place. Sumiti of PM Shri Government Excellence Senior Secondary School, Theog, won the quiz competition, followed by Muskan of Government Senior Secondary School, Annadale, and Prachi Gupta of Government Senior Secondary School, Portmore.

In the essay competition, Virasat Bramta of Sambhota Tibetan School, Chhota Shimla, Ritu Verma of Government Senior Secondary School, Dhalli, and Arpita Thakur of Government Senior Secondary School, Baluganj, secured first, second and third positions respectively.

Senior writer Sudarshan Vashisht inaugurated the competitions. Judges included writers and language experts in the essay and speech categories. SDM Shimla Rural Manjeet Sharma attended as the special guest, along with district public relations officials, teachers and other dignitaries.