Concerns are mounting at the Fiji National University as an academic has highlighted the significant decline in student enrollment in Hindi language courses, which is largely attributed to dwindling employment opportunities tied to language studies. Dr. Subashni Kumar, speaking at the National Manak Hindi Conference, outlined how the absence of clear career paths for Hindi graduates has emerged as a substantial obstacle to the sustainability of the language within Fiji’s education system.
According to Dr. Kumar, the prevailing mindset among students focuses heavily on securing employment, leading them to prioritize subjects they perceive as more beneficial for their future careers. “Everyone wants to get a job,” she remarked, emphasizing that when students reach Year 9 and face subject selection decisions, many opt for areas that they believe will enhance their employment prospects. This shift in priorities is a key factor contributing to the decline in interest in Hindi studies.
The statistics are concerning; enrollment in Hindi courses at FNU has dropped dramatically from classes of 15 to 20 students to a mere three to five in recent years. This decline is echoed in secondary schools, where decreasing numbers of students are taking Hindi, subsequently affecting the pool of potential candidates entering tertiary programs.
Dr. Kumar pointed out that Hindi is not only a language but also a crucial element in shaping cultural identity, preserving history, and fortifying connections across generations. However, she acknowledged that the pressures of modern life are altering students’ motivations and priorities.
She emphasized the importance of educating students on the value of Hindi beyond just academic performance, urging education stakeholders to inspire a deeper appreciation for the language as an integral aspect of cultural identity and community heritage. “If we want to preserve our story and our roots, we must give students a reason from the heart to study the language,” she stated.
In her passionate plea for action, Dr. Kumar called upon parents, teachers, and community leaders to collaborate in rekindling interest in Hindi. By working together, they can help ensure that future generations recognize the importance of valuing and studying the language, despite the employment challenges that may discourage them. The hope is that revitalizing interest in Hindi will not only benefit individual students but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage in Fiji.