As the nation celebrates Hindi Diwas on September 14, the spotlight turns to the evolving status of Hindi among Gen Z, a generation caught between emotional connection and global practicality. While English continues to dominate classrooms, careers, and conversations, where does Hindi truly stand? Kavita Dubey, a Hindi teacher at a CBSE school, notes, “Students and parents prefer English because it’s seen as the language of growth. Hindi is sidelined, often considered ‘easy’ just because it’s spoken daily.

 

But many students can’t write or pronounce it properly, and their vocabulary is weak.” She adds, “Parents insist on English fluency even if they struggle themselves. For kids, English is opportunity.” Kamlesh Gupta, a parent, shares a pragmatic view: “We don’t dislike Hindi. But English brings more career options.

 

We want our kids to be multilingual, and Hindi should definitely be one of those languages.” Students reflect this duality. Sagar Gupta, a Class 11 student, says, “We use Hindi in daily life, but in professional spaces, English is more accepted. It makes us feel like global citizens.” But language experts see a more balanced future.

 

Professor Saket Dubey, a noted Hindi scholar, explains, “Even with English-medium schooling, most students don’t master either language. Later, many return to Hindi, realising its cultural and commercial value. A strong command of any language, including Hindi, is a skill that pays.” He adds, “The inferiority around Hindi is fading, thanks to social media and the rise of Hinglish. But we must still promote Hindi actively so it isn’t overshadowed. A language survives not just by being spoken, but by being celebrated.” This Hindi Diwas, the real challenge, and opportunity, lies in finding that balance.