What is the scope of Hindi in Jharkhand?

I think Hindi is a job-oriented subject and its prospects are immense. There are several vacancies in government offices, private firms, media houses and banks for Hindi language graduates. As a language, too, Hindi is beautiful and soothing.

What’s the attitude of students, parents and society as a whole towards Hindi as a subject?

Most students choose subjects just to obtain a degree without even giving a thought whether it will open up career options for them. If you ask a student why they have chosen a particular subject they would not be able to provide a convincing answer.

Guardians do not have the time or interest in what subjects their wards are choosing. Knowledge has become secondary. Students are more interested in obtaining degrees. I have come across students who have obtained a first class but have no in-depth knowledge about the subject.

I am a Bengali and so Hindi is not my mother tomgue. But still I developed an interest in the language and in due course of time decide to take its up as my subject in college. But problem started when later people behaved strangely when they learnt that I am a professor of Hindi. I still remember the day when I went for an interview for the West Bengal College Commision examination and the officials started teasing me when I said I was a Bengali from Bihar. People in general have this fixed notion that a Bengali cannot speak Hindi, leave alone teach the subject.

How has the subject helped you grow?

The language has been a boon to me. I still remember those days when I received a dozen appointment letters for having a degree in Hindi. I refused to join any of the companies because I was more interested in teaching. Hindi helped me develop an interest in writing plays and articles, which has given me immense creative pleasure.

Abhijeet Mukherjee