There is a need to inculcate pride for Hindi, which is essential for the nation's unity, self-respect and future, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani said on Sunday.
Hindi has an important role to play in the country's unity, self respect and confidence to meet the future," he said at a function on Hindi Diwas organised by the Rajbhasha Department.
It is a symbol of unity in diversity and should get a place it deserves, Advani said.
He described as fatal the attitude of 'negative thoughts and inferiority complex' regarding the language and said it was not appropriate that a country, which had proven its efficiency in many fields all over the world should suffer from such a complex.
On the occasion, Advani launched a website for various courses in Hindi.
This site, which can be used by those learning Hindi online, can be accessed without using any CD or fonts of any Indian language and has been developed by the Rahbhasha Department and CDK of Pune.
Advani also presented the India Gandhi Rajbhasha awards for notable contributions in the use of Hindi in government departments, public sector undertakings and banks.
Minister of State for Home, I D Swami and Secretary of the Rajbhasha Department G R Patwardhan were among those present.