In a key development to foster deeper cultural and educational ties between India and Sri Lanka, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) in Colombo has officially launched a Hindi Language Learning Programme. This collaborative effort has been initiated in partnership with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), which operates under the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka as its cultural wing.
Formal Inauguration By Dignitaries
The programme was inaugurated at a formal ceremony attended by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and KDU Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara. The event drew participation from high-ranking military officials, university faculty, and students, highlighting the initiative’s significance in fostering educational and diplomatic cooperation.
Hindi As A Global Language With Cultural And Career Value
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Santosh Jha spoke about Hindi’s global relevance, noting that it is spoken by over 600 million people. He explained that proficiency in Hindi offers access to India’s rich literary traditions, diverse media landscape, and vibrant film industry, in addition to opening up academic and career opportunities.
He emphasized that learning Hindi enhances cross-cultural understanding and equips students to engage with India’s growing global influence.
Bollywood’s Role In Strengthening Cultural Links
Rear Admiral Kumara, Vice Chancellor of KDU, highlighted the influence of Indian cinema and Hindi music in shaping cultural familiarity among Sri Lankans. He acknowledged that formal language instruction will help students engage with Indian content more deeply and support regional people-to-people relations.
This structured programme, he noted, will not only contribute to language proficiency but also foster stronger academic and cultural ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Inclusive And Practical Curriculum For Language Learning
The newly launched Hindi course will be available as an elective subject for undergraduate students, and will be open to both military cadets and civilian learners at KDU. The curriculum is designed to focus on practical communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension, with additional emphasis on cultural understanding.
This initiative aims to make Hindi learning accessible and functional, enabling students to use the language in academic exchanges, casual interactions, and while consuming Indian media and literature.
Expanding On Earlier Success In Language Diplomacy
This new programme builds upon a successful milestone earlier this year. In January 2025, the Open University of Sri Lanka, in partnership with SVCC, launched the first-ever distance learning Hindi course in the country. The positive response to that programme signalled growing interest in Hindi education and laid the groundwork for the current initiative at KDU.
With the introduction of a full-time on-campus elective, Hindi language education is now reaching a wider student population, further enhancing educational and cultural diplomacy.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Language
The Hindi Language Learning Programme at KDU reflects the shared vision of India and Sri Lanka to deepen mutual respect and cooperation through educational and cultural initiatives. Language is a powerful tool for bridging societies, and this course marks another step toward stronger regional cooperation, friendship, and academic connectivity.
As India continues to promote its linguistic and cultural heritage globally, and Sri Lanka embraces these efforts, the two nations are paving the way for a mutually beneficial and long-lasting partnership rooted in education, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
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