By: Dr. Avi Verma

The Consulate General of India in Chicago will host an invitation-only World Hindi Day 2026 celebration on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at its premises in the NBC Tower, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive, Suite 850, Chicago.

Organized under the aegis of the Consul General of India, the event aims to reaffirm Hindi’s enduring cultural, literary, and global significance while exploring practical pathways to strengthen its presence among the Indian diaspora and international audiences.

According to the Consulate, the program will focus on strategies to popularize Hindi, expand access to Hindi education resources, and encourage children of the Indian diaspora to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural roots. Special emphasis will be placed on addressing the challenges faced by second- and third-generation Indian Americans in sustaining fluency and cultural familiarity with Hindi.

The discussions will also highlight Hindi’s broader civilizational importance, underscoring its role in preserving and celebrating India’s rich history, literature, philosophy, and traditions. Speakers are expected to reflect on how language serves not merely as a tool of communication, but as a living repository of cultural memory and shared identity.

In a global context, the event will examine how Hindi can act as a bridge between India and the world, particularly at a time when interest in Indian culture, cinema, literature, yoga, and spirituality is rising internationally. Participants will explore ways in which Hindi can complement India’s growing cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement worldwide.

World Hindi Day is observed annually to promote the use of Hindi at the international level and to reaffirm India’s commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. The Chicago event reflects the Consulate’s ongoing efforts to engage the Indian American community, educators, and cultural leaders in meaningful dialogue around language preservation.

The program will conclude with a networking lunch, providing attendees an opportunity for informal interaction and continued discussion.

Attendance is by invitation only.