Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav, attended the Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Hindi Film Song Competition organised by Akashvani Kohima as part of Hindi Pakhwada 2026 at the Akashvani Office Complex, Kohima, on 24th September 2026.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor appreciated Akashvani Kohima and the Town Official Language Implementation Committee for organising the programme and said that celebrating language through music was particularly meaningful, as music has the ability to transcend boundaries and foster fellowship. Referring to Hindi Pakhwada and the significance of Hindi Diwas, the Governor highlighted the importance of India’s linguistic diversity. He noted that while Hindi has an important role as a means of communication among citizens across different linguistic regions, the promotion of Hindi and preservation of indigenous languages can and should go together. He emphasised that linguistic diversity is one of India’s greatest cultural strengths.
Speaking in the context of Nagaland, the Governor observed that the State is home to diverse tribes, languages, dialects, traditions and cultural expressions. He said every language carries the history, traditional knowledge, values, songs and stories of a community, and therefore Hindi should be promoted with equal respect and appreciation for the languages of local communities.
The Governor stated that learning Hindi can help citizens communicate with people across the country, while indigenous languages keep communities connected to their roots and identity. He said both have an important place in building an India where different languages and cultures coexist, interact and enrich the national fabric.
Highlighting the significance of the Hindi Film Song Competition, the Governor said that music can transcend linguistic boundaries and communicate emotions such as happiness, love, nostalgia, hope, patriotism and friendship. He noted that Hindi film songs have become part of the shared cultural memory of generations of Indians.
He also appreciated Nagaland’s vibrant musical tradition and the enthusiasm of its younger generation, observing that music has become an important medium through which Nagaland interacts with the rest of the country and the world. He said the competition provided an opportunity for officers and staff from different offices to participate, appreciate one another’s talents and strengthen institutional fellowship and national integration.
Congratulating the prize winners and participants, Yadav said participation itself has great value, as performing helps overcome hesitation, practice develops discipline, listening fosters appreciation, and group activities build friendship and camaraderie. He noted that these qualities are valuable not only on stage but also in public service.
The Governor also placed on record his appreciation for the role of Akashvani Kohima over the years. He said Akashvani has served as an important medium for news, information, education, music, culture and public messages. In a geographically challenging State like Nagaland, he noted, broadcasting has a particularly important role in providing a platform for local voices, languages, music, traditions and issues of public importance, while also connecting the State with the rest of India.
Referring to the changing communication landscape, the Governor said that while digital platforms and social media have transformed the way people communicate and consume information, the fundamental purpose of public broadcasting to inform, educate and connect people remains relevant.
On the use of language in public administration, The Governor stressed that clear communication leads to better administration. He said official communication should be precise, understandable, accessible, simple, clear, inclusive and people friendly. He added that the progressive use of Hindi in official work should ultimately contribute to effective communication and better public service.
The Governor called for the spirit of Hindi Pakhwada to continue beyond the fortnight and encouraged people to promote Hindi while respecting English and all other Indian languages. He also encouraged young people to learn more than one language and stressed the need to preserve indigenous languages and the traditional knowledge embedded in them.
Congratulating the prize winners, participants, organisers and the Town Official Language Implementation Committee, the Governor said such programmes create opportunities for colleagues from different institutions to come together and participate in a friendly and meaningful manner.
Concluding his address, the Governor conveyed the message: “Many languages, many cultures, many voices but one shared spirit of India.” He once again congratulated Akashvani Kohima for organising the programme and extended his best wishes to all the participants, prize winners and organisers.
(PRO Lok Bhavan)
