‘We want to spread importance of Hindi on national level’

Since its inception in 1995, Sanjay Bhardwaj has been actively working as the founder-chairman of Hindi Aandolan. A chemistry graduate and pharmacy diploma holder, Bhardwaj is also a writer, director, theatre artiste and social activist. He has been residing in Pune for the past 34 years. Son of an army personnel, Bhardwaj prefers to be known as an Indian rather than from a particular caste. He speaks to DNA about the activities of Hindi Aandolan and their take on anti-Hindi stance of Raj Thackeray.

What is the aim of Hindi Aandolan and why was it started?
The word ‘Hindi’ of Hindi Aandolan is synonymous with India. It is an andolan for strong India. Our aim is to make Indian languages a source of livelihood in India. We want to spread the importance of Hindi language on national level and reinforce the importance of regional languages in specific regions. Indian languages should be given due weightage in all walks of life, especially in education system and jobs.
To strengthen our democracy, the judiciary, bureaucracy and legislature should function in our languages. Aandolan undertakes many literary activities like monthly Rachana Gosthiya (multi-lingual writers meet), Loknrutya Mahotsav (inter-college folk dance festival), Parisanvad (seminars), Hindi Bhushan Samman and Saraswati Poojan. We work with underprivileged, HIV-positive and differently- abled children including orphans and street children. Probably, we are the first organisation in the country that raised funds by means of poem recitation for Kargil War and Gujarat earthquake relief funds.

How far has Hindi Aandolan succeeded since its inception?
Hindi Aandolan Pune works in social, literature and cultural fields.
Aandolan made special efforts to spread the awareness about the use of Indian languages. We provided ‘expression therapy’ to many
vernacular writers.
While working together with people who belong to other regions, one could understand their priorities and problems faced in speaking other languages. Ultimately, it develops the need for peaceful co-existence and harmony. We tried to implement the correct meaning of word ‘Sahitya’, which is ‘For welfare of society’. Being the first of its kind, Hindi
Aandolan has tackled a lot of social problems by encouraging people from different walks of life to work together.
 
What is your take on the anti-Hindi stance of Raj Thackeray?
Raj Thackeray is a nationalist and also supports all Indian languages. He himself is very good at Hindi and well-versed in other languages. I think that if he raises a flag to support Marathi in the region and Hindi on a national level, more and more people will come forward to support his ideology.

How can people join your group?
This Aandolan is run by Indians and for Indians, so anyone and everyone in India can be a part of this group. We have a nominal membership fee. To register call 9890122603 or email hindiaandolan@gmail.com.