Concerns are escalating at the Fiji National University as a significant decline in student enrollment for Hindi language courses has been highlighted by academic Dr. Subashni Kumar. During the National Manak Hindi Conference, she pointed to a troubling trend that links dwindling job opportunities to the decrease in students choosing to study Hindi, pointing out that the lack of clear career pathways for graduates in this field is jeopardizing the sustainability of the language within Fiji’s educational framework.
Dr. Kumar explained that students today are increasingly focused on securing employment, which leads them to select subjects they believe will provide better job prospects. “Everyone wants to get a job,” she noted, suggesting that when students reach Year 9, the pivotal time for subject selection, many opt for disciplines that appear more favorable for their career aspirations. This shift in focus is a contributing factor to the declining interest in Hindi studies.
The statistics paint a worrying picture; enrollment in Hindi courses at FNU has fallen sharply, with class sizes shrinking from 15 to 20 students down to just three to five in recent years. This trend is mirrored in secondary schools, where a reduction in students taking Hindi is subsequently limiting the potential pool of candidates for tertiary programs.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that Hindi represents more than just a language; it plays a vital role in cultural identity, history preservation, and fostering connections across generations. She acknowledged, however, that modern life pressures are reshaping students’ motivations and priorities.
She urged education stakeholders to highlight the intrinsic value of Hindi beyond academic success. There is a pressing need to instill a deeper appreciation for the language as a critical component of cultural identity and community heritage. Dr. Kumar passionately insisted, “If we want to preserve our story and our roots, we must give students a reason from the heart to study the language.”
In her heartfelt appeal for action, Dr. Kumar called upon parents, teachers, and community leaders to unite in efforts to reignite interest in Hindi. By collaborating effectively, they can help future generations understand the significance of valuing and learning the language, despite the employment challenges that may deter them. The aspiration is that reviving interest in Hindi will not only empower individual students but also play a crucial role in safeguarding Fiji’s rich cultural heritage.