The Department of Hindi at St. John’s College is one of the oldest departments of the college. It is a renowned department that has been known for more than a century for the promotion, research, teaching, and study of Hindi language, grammar, criticism, and literature. The department has consistently carried out academic and literary activities under the guidance of experienced teachers and has long remained a center of linguistic and literary pursuits. The history of the Department of Hindi is as old as the other departments of the Faculty of Arts in the college. Initial efforts toward the teaching of Hindi language in the college were undertaken by the Hindi Pracharini Sabha during 1914–15.

The year 1934 proved to be historic for the Department of Hindi when the eminent essayist, philosopher, and critic Babu Gulab Rai joined the department as an honorary teacher and adorned the position of Head of the Department. With the association of such a distinguished literary figure, the fame and reputation of the department spread across the Hindi departments of North India, and the department became a major center of literary activities. Under the guidance of Babu Gulab Rai, students not only received formal education in Hindi literature but also developed their literary talent and creative abilities under his mentorship.

Another distinguished literary personality associated with the department was Rangeya Raghav, who took admission at St. John’s College for higher studies. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Hindi in 1944. Later, Rangeya Raghav emerged as one of the foremost progressive writers in Hindi literature. His novels Kab Tak Pukaroon, Murdon Ka Teela, and several other literary works are considered invaluable treasures of Hindi literature. Through his writings, he brought pride not only to St. John’s College but also to the entire Hindi literary world.

Thus, for more than a century, the Department of Hindi has remained dedicated to the service of Hindi language and literature and has made significant contributions in various fields of language and literary studies.

At present, the department organizes several language and literature-related activities and competitions. On the occasion of Hindi Day (14 September), a “Hindi Fortnight” is organized every academic session, under which essay writing, debates, poster-making, speech competitions, poetry recitations, and similar activities are conducted for students. Seminars, discussions, and literary gatherings are also organized from time to time on the birth anniversaries and death anniversaries of eminent literary personalities including Babu Gulab Rai and Rangeya Raghav.

Vision and Objectives

• The Department of Hindi aims to promote the holistic development of Hindi language, literature, and Indian culture.
• The vision of the department is to establish Hindi as an effective medium of knowledge, culture, and national integration.
• The department seeks to develop literary consciousness, human values, and social sensitivity among students.
• Students are introduced to the ancient, modern, and contemporary streams of Hindi literature.
• The department strives to develop creative and critical thinking abilities among students.
• The development of research, writing, journalism, translation, and communication skills is among the major objectives of the department.
• Literary gatherings, seminars, and cultural programs provide students with opportunities for expression and participation.
• The department seeks to make students aware of Indian traditions, moral values, and social responsibilities.
• Efforts are made to enhance the global reach and contemporary relevance of Hindi language in the modern technological era.
• The department inspires students to develop a positive outlook toward society, the nation, and humanity.