Promoting online learning of Hindu languages among locals

THE South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) will embark on a national programme to promote online learning of Hindu languages among locals.

This initiative comes after recent upsurge in South African Indians wanting to learn their mother-tongue languages.

The growth in popularity of Indian television dramas has stirred the interest, SAHMS believed.

SAHMS president Ashwin Trikamjee said the Online Language Learning programmes would be the tool used to facilitate the learning of Hindu languages.

“There is an interest in Indian languages due to offerings of Indian Television networks and Bollywood. The interest in Indian languages was discussed at a National Hindu Conference in 2016, where creative minds brainstormed ideas to promote all of the Indian languages.

“Language, culture and religion are inextricably intertwined. When we speak our mother-tongue language, it connects us to our culture and heritage,” said Trikamjee.

The language learning programme will be co-ordinated by language activist and recording artist, Dr Veena Lutchman, who is also the Head of the Eastern Languages Committee of SAHMS.

18-year-old Karina Nair is a prime example of how youngsters could grow an affinity for their mother languages if they are taught at an early age. She attended free Tamil classes for 13 years at the Merebank Tamil School Society (MTSS) headquarters.

She was recently recognised as one of their best Tamil speaking students after scoring top marks in the language during the 2016 matric exams.

The Goodhope Senior Citizens Club acknowledged her efforts in promoting the Hindu religion, culture and music in her community.

Nair encouraged children to learn Tamil at school as an extra subject.

“I think it is important to learn our mother-tongue even though we are living in an English medium country. It is important to acknowledge our culture and preserve it so that it could be passed down to future generations,” said Nair.