By: Ashwani Mahajan

The Alliance of Indian Americans of Naperville Area (AIANA), in collaboration with the Hindi Club of Illinois and other supporting organizations, hosted a spectacular Hindi Diwas celebration on Sunday, at the 95th Street Library, drawing a standing-room-only audience. The overwhelming turnout highlighted the strong commitment of Chicagoland’s Indian-American community to preserve and promote Hindi language and culture.

One of the highlights of the evening was the Hindi Speech Competition, which saw the enthusiastic participation of 38 children and 8 adults, ranging in age from just 3 years old to 75. Contestants spoke with confidence, clarity, and creativity on a variety of thought-provoking topics, including:

• सोशल मीडिया: वरदान या अभिशाप? (Social Media: Boon or Curse?)
• आज के युवाओं की चुनौतियाँ (Challenges of Today’s Youth)
• भारतीय संस्कृति का महत्व (Importance of Indian Culture)
• ग्लोबल वॉर्मिंग और हमारा भविष्य (Global Warming and Our Future)
• टेक्नोलॉजी और बच्चे (Technology and Children)

The competition was divided into three age groups: 8 and under, 9–12, and 13–17, with winners selected for first, second, and third places in each category.

Age group winners:

• 8 and under – 1st: Aaradhya Hindka, 2nd: Atiksh Chauhan, 3rd: Yashvi Mundhra
• 9 to 12 – 1st: Soham Kothari, 2nd: Mayra Vrindawan, 3rd: Riya Sullivan
• 13 to 17 – 1st: Taksh Chauhan, 2nd: Aanya Sullivan, 3rd: Nishka Mishra

All winners will be honored at a future award ceremony with prizes and trophies. In addition, they have earned a unique opportunity to present their speeches at the Consulate General of India in Chicago, where they will also receive official certificates recognizing their achievement.

The distinguished panel of judges included Archana Aggarwal, Kamal Gupta, and Ajit Pant. Sharing her reflections, Archana Aggarwal emphasized that “Hindi is a strength of national integration and global identity. Hindi is our pride.”

The event also featured remarks from AIANA leadership. Vice-President Shivam Viswanathan described the program as “a true celebration of our language, heritage, and community spirit,” while President Madhu Uppal extended heartfelt gratitude to the participants, supporters, and volunteers whose efforts made the event a resounding success.

With vibrant speeches, an enthusiastic crowd, and a spirit of unity, the Hindi Diwas celebration in Naperville reinforced the language’s enduring role in connecting generations of the Indian diaspora. For many in attendance, it was not just a cultural event, but also a proud reaffirmation that Hindi continues to thrive—bridging the past with the future, in India and abroad.