The article first appeared in Scroll.in on Jan 28, 2025.
During the 1960s, as Caribbean nations with substantial Indian diasporas approached independence, India launched a cultural initiative to reconnect these communities with their linguistic and ancestral roots. This movement was led by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an agency under the Ministry of External Affairs, which sought to promote the Hindi language revival among descendants of indentured laborers in countries such as Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname.
Most of these Indo-Caribbean communities had ancestral ties to North India, particularly regions where Awadhi and Bhojpuri were commonly spoken. However, over time, these languages had evolved due to local influences and colonial policies that restricted the use of Indian languages. Recognizing this linguistic drift, the Indian government saw an opportunity for a Hindi language revival by introducing formal education in Hindi and Sanskrit. Through scholarships, cultural exchange programs, and the establishment of Hindi learning centers, India aimed to strengthen cultural bonds and reaffirm the linguistic heritage of the diaspora.
The ICCR played a crucial role in sending Hindi and Sanskrit teachers to these Caribbean nations. The goal was not just to teach the languages but also to instill a sense of cultural identity and historical awareness among the Indo-Caribbean population. The initiative helped foster pride in Indian heritage and provided access to classical Indian literature, religious texts, and cultural traditions. This Hindi language revival was also significant in the political and social spheres, as it enabled Indo-Caribbean communities to assert their cultural identity in newly independent nations.
Despite these efforts, challenges remained. Many Indo-Caribbean individuals had already integrated into Creole-speaking societies, and English or Dutch had become their primary languages. Moreover, local governments often prioritized national languages over Hindi. Nevertheless, the initiative left a lasting impact, as it created awareness about Indian linguistic heritage and inspired efforts within the diaspora to preserve their ancestral tongue.
Over the decades, institutions promoting Hindi have continued to operate in the Caribbean, keeping the language alive among interested learners. Today, Hindi courses, cultural festivals, and religious practices incorporating Hindi remain integral to Indo-Caribbean identity. The legacy of India’s initiative in the 1960s stands as a testament to the enduring power of language in maintaining cultural connections across continents.
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