The Hindi Society (Singapore), a leading institution promoting Hindi language and culture since 1989, hosted its annual award ceremony at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Convention Centre on July 19, recognising the academic brilliance of students across the island.
The event, whose guest of honour was India’s Deputy High Commissioner Pooja Tillu, honoured 152 outstanding students for their exemplary achievements in the PSLE, O-Level and A-Level Hindi examinations, with 132 of them present to receive their accolades in person.
Now in its 36th year, the Hindi Society’s annual awards ceremony has become a proud tradition in Singapore’s multicultural calendar – not only celebrating academic achievement, but also underscoring the Society’s enduring mission to promote Hindi as a living language in a global city.
Speaking to a hall full of proud families, dedicated educators and excited students, President of The Hindi Society Mahendra Prasad Rai praised the awardees for their passion, perseverance and commitment to their roots.
“You have made not only your families proud, but also the entire Hindi-speaking community in Singapore,” he said. “You are truly the shining stars of the Hindi Society.”
Mr Rai highlighted that the 152 distinctions included 33 students at PSLE level, 30 at O- and N-Levels, and an impressive 89 at A-Level Hindi. “That’s a lot of A’s – almost enough to start a new alphabet song!” he joked, drawing warm laughter from the audience.
With over 4,000 students currently enrolled in Hindi classes across 52 mainstream schools and eight weekend centres, the ceremony was a vibrant celebration of not just scholastic achievement but also cultural identity. Traditional dance, music and poetry performances by students added a festive spirit to the event and reflected the richness of Indian heritage.
“This success is a shared one,” Mr Rai emphasised. “It would not have been possible without the support of parents and the tireless dedication of our teachers.”
To parents, he offered heartfelt thanks for instilling in their children a love for their mother tongue. “In Singapore’s multicultural society, it’s truly inspiring to see our children keeping Hindi alive and thriving,” he said. “This is no small feat, and we applaud your commitment.”
To teachers, Mr Rai remarked with humour and admiration: “You’re like Google – you have all the answers, but more importantly, you teach students how to ask the right questions.”
He lauded their role in helping students see Hindi not just as an academic subject but as a living language tied to values, history and cultural wisdom.
The ceremony closed with a rousing message to the award recipients: “You are not just students of Hindi – you are ambassadors of India’s heritage in Singapore and beyond,” Mr Rai declared.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he reminded them that education is about drawing out the best in body, mind and spirit.
“Stay curious, stay humble, and yes – keep using Hindi beyond just ordering samosas or singing Bollywood songs!” he said, ending on a light-hearted note.
