Aizwal, Feb. 7: Till a decade ago Mizos were not keen to learn Hindi, the national language, but with the passage of time, many are now drawn to learning it here.

The Government of Mizoram has included Hindi in the school curriculum till standard seven and plans to include it till standard ten.

People are realizing that knowing Hindi could be of great help in the future, including employment and cultural exchange.

"We are the citizens of India. For the integrity of India, we should learn Hindi. As after crossing Mizoram, we can't even do shopping," said C. Darlianthanga, the President of the Hindi Teachers Association in Mizoram.

Recently, a special seminar was organised on the promotion of languages at Aizwal in which not only academicians, but also school and college students participated with great enthusiasm.

"Ten years back, people didn't give importance to Hindi compared to other subjects and other languages. In fact, in the past, people regarded Hindi as irrelevant and of no value since they thought it did not have any prospects. Even to some extent, the Hindi language was ridiculed," said J. H. Zoena, Deputy Director, Hindu Education, Mizoram.

Mizoram, presently, has two Hindi training colleges that offer a Bachelor’s degree in Education to take up jobs as Hindi teachers to students of standard eleven and twelve. There is also a two years diploma course in Hindi.

Mizoram has over 401 posts for high school Hindi teachers, around 826 posts for the middle school Hindi teachers and 1187 posts at the primary level. In all, 2414 posts for Hindi teachers are vacant.

Over 3,000 Mizo students have taken up Hindi training courses at the under graduate and post-graduate levels in different colleges.

"Mizoram people often have to deal with workers from other States who come here for construction works. Communication is a major problem with them. Considering these practical problems, Mizos have started taking an interest in Hindi. Now Hindi is a career-
-oriented subject and language for Mizos," added J H Zoena, Deputy Director, Hindu Education, Mizoram

Ever since peace was restored in the State in 1985, Mizos have started exploring the outside world. They are venturing out in a big way for higher studies and jobs.

This has not only broadened their vision but also made them realize that learning Hindi could get them connected with the rest of India. (ANI)