Three days National Scientific and Technical Rajbhasha Seminar -2021 was organised by the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) from November 17-19 in Leh. 

Over 85 participants from various defense-related research, development, technical and entrepreneurial, and educational organizations from the Chandigarh cluster took part in the seminar.

Chief Guest of the occasion, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said, “People of Ladakh speak Ladakhi more than Hindi but don’t ignore the language completely.  Being a citizen of India, we have proudly accepted Hindi as a language”.

He thanked DIHAR for taking the first initiative in Ladakh and said that it will not only benefit science but will also help in understanding science in an easier way. At last, he urged the participants to enjoy Ladakh by understanding the culture of Ladakh during their three-day visit. 

S.K Mehta, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh said, “I went to foreign countries like Germany and Japan for studies. I used to be amazed that they use their own language for everything. They speak in their language and even use their language in higher studies. Then I used to think that why we do not use our language properly. So I think the promotion of Hindi in India is very important because it is said that the country with a rich language has a strong civilization and culture as a byproduct. Therefore we should not be ashamed of speaking Rajbhasha Hindi instead we must be proud of it. I am sure that there will be a day when the people who can’t speak Hindi will be ashamed of themselves.”

He further said that it is a matter of pride that all the offices of DRDO are using Hindi. We have to remember that if the country lost its language then the country will also be lost its civilization and culture. 

Director, DIHAR, Dr. O.P Chaurasia thanked all the experts and scientists for their participation in the seminar. He said that following the directions of the Government of India, DRDO is working to promote Hindi as a language in the field of science and technology. 

He informed the audience about technical sessions on various topics including engineering and agriculture. He urged the participants to experience the high altitude of Ladakh.