St. Joseph’s College Hosts ‘Rajnigandha’ Hindi Diwas Celebrations

Prayagraj: The Hindi Samiti of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, grandly hosted its eagerly awaited annual Hindi Diwas celebration, ‘Rajnigandha’, at the college’s Hogan Hall. Centered around the life, personality, and literary contributions of the celebrated Chhayawadi poetess Mahadevi Verma, the event was marked by captivating cultural performances and academic reflections.

Inauguration and Welcome

The function commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Prof. Saroj Singh (Head of the Hindi Department, CMP Degree College), Principal Fr. Walter D’Silva, College Coordinator Jyoti Dubey, Chairman of the Hindi Samiti Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Hindi teacher Dr. Raghavendra Dwivedi, and Hindi Samiti President Rudra Singh.

Although Most Rev. Bishop Louis Mascarenhas was scheduled to attend as the Special Guest, he was unable to be present due to unexpected travel commitments; however, organizers had sought his blessings prior to the event.

Following the inaugural ceremony, the college choir under the direction of Saubhagya Nayak rendered Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala'’s revered invocation, "Var De Veenavadini Var De". Principal Fr. Walter D’Silva welcomed Prof. Saroj Singh with a floral bouquet, followed by a welcome song presented by the choir.

Tributes to Mahadevi Verma

Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh briefed the gathering on the history of 'Rajnigandha' and introduced the Chief Guest. Student Sadaan Khan highlighted Mahadevi Verma’s inspiring personality, while Hindi Samiti Vice President Yatharth Srivastava elaborated on her literary legacy. Hindi Samiti General Secretary Shaad Ahmad enthralled the audience with his recitation of Mahadevi Verma’s iconic poem, "Jaag Tujhko Door Jaana Hai". The college choir also performed devotional renditions of couplets by Kabir, Rahim, and Vrind.

In her address, Chief Guest Prof. Saroj Singh delivered a deep analysis of Mahadevi Verma’s everlasting impact on Hindi literature. Principal Fr. Walter D’Silva advised students that while mastering English is important, achieving proficiency in Hindi is equally essential.

Prize Distribution Ceremony

The event concluded with an award ceremony honoring winners of the Speech and Debate competitions across various grades:

• Class 9 Speech Competition: 1st – Shriham Shukla (9-C), 2nd – Armaan Mehndi (9-E), 3rd – Mantram Agarwal (9-C)

• Class 10 Speech Competition: 1st – Aaron Ansh Roy (10-D), 2nd – Advit Raja Ram (10-B), 3rd – Md. Ali Haider (10-D)

• Classes 11–12 Debate Competition:

  • Best Speakers (For the Motion): Prajeet Srivastava (11-A), Saraansh John (12-D)

  • Best Speaker (Against the Motion): Yatharth Srivastava (11-C)

  • Best Questioner: Saraansh John (12-D)

Principal Fr. Walter D’Silva presented a shawl and memento to Prof. Saroj Singh as a token of appreciation. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Raghavendra Dwivedi, and the event concluded with sweet distribution among all attendees.

(Zainul Abdin)