Celebrating India through Hindi

-
Humayun Tomb, Delhi
Published September 23, 2012
Sunday Gleaner
Under a starlit, cool night, beats of Bollywood music filled the air, as the dancer took centre stage, exuding neatly choreographed moves complete with the telltale fluid movements of the body, leaving those present in awe.
It was a commendable effort by self-taught Je'Ann Murray, a student of Hindi Club, who went on to complete the show by doing a medley, dancing on Jump for Jamaica, a Jamaica50 song from Canada.
She was among numerous others, who received accolades for their efforts at the Hindi Day celebrations at the Indian High Commission in Kingston.
"I watched a Bollywood movie, and I was inspired to do a dance. I got both the songs from YouTube and practised," said Murray.
The participants exhibited their talent and, above all, enthusiasm and zeal to showcase what they have learnt in the Hindi Club by singing songs and dancing to the tunes of popular Hindi film music.
Spices

"The genesis of teaching goes to 1991, when it was thought to popularise Hindi, which lead to the formation of Hindi Club in 2004," said Dr Sitaram Poddar, founder of the club.
Over the years, Dr Poddar informed, the club has strived to popularise the language, which is one of the top-five most spoken languages in the world, and the Indian culture.
"Today, the Hindi Club is a striving example of the mottos of Jamaica and India - 'Out of many one people' and 'unity in diversity' respectively," said Anil Saxena chargé d'affaires at the Indian High Commission on the occasion.
"It is largely through the efforts of Dr Poddar that the Hindi Club has blossomed into a vibrant and thriving institution which is very popular among the Indian Diaspora youth."
"Hindi is totally different," said Charlene Johnson, a second-year student of the Hindi Club. "It has a beautiful tone and mystique to it."

Saree
Johnson, who has been driven to learn Hindi after she visited India in 2008 noted, "My friends, although they spoke English, I was curious to know what they were talking about. Though I got a gist, I didn't think that was enough, so it was imperative to learn the language.
interest and personal
"For me it is both interest and personal development, and since Hindi is different from other languages, it is like putting a puzzle together I have learnt to analyse things better."
Murray, a third-year MPhil student at the department of chemistry, University of the West Indies, said she has a fascination for learning languages. "I was apprehensive that I might not be good in Hindi, but I have learnt to appreciate it."
"It is a confluence of culture," said Dr Poddar. "We try to expose the students to Indian culture and food."
Murray, for one, is also tantalising her taste buds as she learns to master Hindi. "I am in love with samosas (an Indian snack, which is a deep-fried triangular pastry with a savoury filling of spiced potatoes, onions, peas, lentils, ground lamb or chicken)." she professed, "and the way vegetables are cooked, I will start loving vegetables."
Samosa

"Jamaica is home to 70,000-plus members of the Indian Diaspora. and while integrating themselves in the Jamaican society, they have been very keen to preserve and promote the Indian heritage, their language, culture, including rituals and other Indian lifestyle their forefathers brought with them," said Saxena.
But the language's popularity transcends boundaries, where 70 to 80 per cent students are local Jamaicans, Dr Poddar said.
Both Murray and Johnson are keen on mastering Hindi.
"It creates an opportunity for bilateral and international relations," said Johnson. And Murray would like to go to India one day. "I would like to go to India to experience everything wholesomely, " she said.
The Hindi Club meets every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m to 12 noon at Club India, Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston. More information on the classes can be had from Dr Poddar at drspoddar@flowja.com or calling 977-4964.
amitabh.sharma@hotmail.com
Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Naandeyé García Villegas – narrating social commentaries through her art

-
Image
Naandeyé García Villegas, Mexican artist who uses her creativity for social commentary. Naandeyé García Villegas’ earliest memories of delving into creative pursuits were ‘drawing’ letters on the earliest known Word program. The palette had a choice of four fonts and black and white colors to fill – minimalism driven by technology. “Since I was a child, I had a special interest in art. I drew a lot. I drew all the time,” Villegas said. “I loved the color and the letters. “When I was eight years old, my parents bought me a computer and a printer,” she said. “At that time, computers still didn’t have design programs, but mine had one installed where you could write things (I guess it was a kind of Word). It was just typography. I used to spend whole afternoons making signs, ‘designing’ them, then printing them, and finally, coloring on top of them (it had all kinds of markers, colors, watercolors, oil, etc.),” she said. This was the first taste of design for Villegas. A great deal has ch
Read more

OFF THE BEATEN PATH - Free your spirits, rest your mind

-
Image
A retreat to the home of Blue Mountain coffee and endless nature Published December 23, 2009, Hospitality Jamaica Sun, sand, sea…the proverbial Jamaica…but there is an element that rises above it; the panoramic Blue Mountain Range, with a misty coolness unparalleled and the home of the world famous coffee. Looking to break free from the traffic jams, sweat and the endless pressures of life; bliss is just 45 minutes away from Kingston. The changes are evident as one drives up, from the grey to the green, the air from the exhaust fume filled road to smell of foliage and nature. Welcome to Jamaica’s higher plane! Nestled in a coffee plantation in the foothills of Blue Mountain Range, Forres Park Resort and Spa is a getaway which offers a rejuvenating experience. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the resort offers a panoramic view of the misty mountains, lifting one’s mind and soul. Choose from suites, standard rooms or cabins, the resort offer a variety of options for accommodation. The roo
Read more

Sonia Gray – custodian of Kingston’s best kept secret

-
Image
Sonia Gray is proud of her roots and her country, which shows in the warmth and the down-to-earth attitude that she exudes. Owner and operator of Ahlambra Inn and Restaurant, the lush green foliage, fish tanks and quaint and historical relics welcomes the visitors. A thoroughbread country girl, Gray recalled her childhood in Portland, where she used to spend time, at one with nature. “As a little girl growing up in Portland I used to catch Jhaanga (shrimp) and make soup.” She went abroad to pursue degree in film and television with minor in radio, after a career in public relations, Gray decided to live her dreams. “Cooking is my passion, all my life I have loved to cook… I decided to go back to my passion of cooking,” she said. The journey began in 1981, when Gray started her catering business from home. The transition was tough, but it was a learning experience, it gave her a chance to go around the city and explore the shops. “In the first couple of years I knew what was sell
Read more