In a major step toward strengthening India-Sri Lanka cultural and educational relations, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) in Colombo has launched a Hindi Language Learning Programme. This initiative is in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural wing of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and KDU Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara. The event was attended by senior military officials, university faculty, and students, underlining the significance of this collaboration.
Importance of Hindi in Global and Cultural Context
Speaking at the launch, High Commissioner Santosh Jha highlighted that Hindi, spoken by over 600 million people worldwide, provides access to India’s rich literary heritage, film industry, media landscape, and growing job markets. He emphasized how learning Hindi can open academic and professional opportunities while deepening cultural awareness.
Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral Kumara acknowledged the role of Bollywood films and Hindi music in enhancing people-to-people ties between the two countries. He noted that formal Hindi education would allow Sri Lankan students to appreciate Indian culture more deeply and build stronger regional connections.
Course Designed for Inclusive Learning
The new Hindi course at KDU will be offered as an undergraduate elective and is open to both military and civilian students. It will focus on developing basic language skills, with special attention to speaking, reading, writing, and understanding cultural context.
The curriculum has been designed to provide practical knowledge that students can apply in everyday conversations, academic settings, or while engaging with Hindi content in media and entertainment.
Building on Previous Success in Hindi Education
This initiative follows an earlier success story from January 2025, when the Open University of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with SVCC, launched the country’s first-ever distance learning Hindi course. The course was well-received and marked the beginning of a new chapter in India-Sri Lanka educational exchange.
Now, with KDU introducing a full-time on-campus elective, the opportunity to learn Hindi is expanding to a broader student base, further promoting cultural diplomacy through language.
A Step Toward Regional Cooperation and Friendship
The launch of this Hindi Language Programme reflects the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to deepen mutual understanding and educational collaboration. Language has long been a bridge between cultures, and this initiative is expected to pave the way for even closer academic, diplomatic, and people-to-people ties.
As India continues to promote its language and culture abroad, and Sri Lanka welcomes these initiatives with enthusiasm, such partnerships are set to create long-lasting benefits for both nations.
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