Odisha Governor Calls for Modernizing Hindi as a Language of Innovation and Global Relevance

BHUBANESWAR – Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati inaugurated the First International Official Language Annual Conference–Odisha 2026 on Friday, setting a forward-looking agenda for the future of the Hindi language. Addressing a gathering of experts and officials at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), the Governor emphasized that for the language to thrive, it must evolve in tandem with the aspirations of the younger generation.

Bridging Tradition and Technology

Dr. Kambhampati articulated a vision where Hindi transcends its role as a medium of daily communication to become a vehicle for modern knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and global innovation. "Hindi must evolve with time and connect with the aspirations of the younger generation," the Governor remarked, underscoring the necessity of creating high-quality content in specialized fields such as science, medicine, law, economics, and administration.

He noted that the growth of Hindi is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the government, requiring active participation from universities, educational institutions, the media, and the corporate sector. Furthermore, he advocated for the aggressive adoption of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and machine translation tools to make the language more accessible in the digital age.

A Language of Unity

Addressing the linguistic diversity of India, the Governor clarified that Hindi should be viewed as a vital link that complements, rather than replaces, regional languages. "We should not view Hindi as a substitute for any language, but as a powerful medium of communication, knowledge, and national unity," he said. He specifically highlighted the potential for literary and linguistic exchanges between Odia and Hindi to further strengthen the national fabric.

The conference featured key insights from notable speakers, including Dr. Bipin Kumar, Member of the Hindi Advisory Committee for the Ministries of Finance and Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Chief General Manager of SBI, Bhubaneswar. The event was formally opened by Dr. Ramanujam Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, who lauded the institute’s commitment to promoting modern knowledge in Hindi.

Inspection of Research Initiatives

Following the conference, Governor Kambhampati conducted an in-depth review of the research and technology demonstration projects currently underway at CSIR-IMMT. His tour included the PGIM Pilot Plant, the Mineral Processing Pilot Plant, and the Sustainable Recycling Centre.

Of particular interest was the institute’s pioneering work in the recovery of critical metals from deep-sea polymetallic nodules. Dr. Kambhampati also commended the team for the successful development of the country’s first indigenous pilot plant for processing bituminous coal fly ash at NALCO’s Research and Technology Centre (NRTC).

"The efforts of CSIR-IMMT demonstrate how language and science can work in synergy to drive national development," the Governor said, praising the scientists and researchers for their dedication to indigenous technology and sustainable industrial solutions.