When ‘Holly’ Met ‘Bolly’: Overwhelming Response To Hindi And Indian Culture Classes At US Embassy, From Diverse Groups

The Indian embassy in Washington DC, which started Hindi classes, has seen an overwhelming response, with foreigners’ growing interest attributed to rich Indian culture and Bollywood, reports The New Indian Express.

The Embassy, in a statement, said that almost 110 people had registered for the free Hindi classes started by it, with not only Americans but citizens of UK, Germany, Brazil, Oman, Ukraine, Belarus and Bangladesh too showing interest. The overwhelming response has made the embassy divide the class into two, which happen twice a week.

The teacher, Moksharaj (Mox Raj in English) stated that 90 per cent of his students were non-Indians and have come from varied backgrounds like business, yoga instructors, engineers, researchers and scientists.

The statement said that among the many interests of the candidates, Hindi, Bollywood and diverse Indian culture were primary motivators. They are taking Hindi classes to travel to India, communicate with their life partners and friends or research Indian issues.

Another primary reason was the rise of India as an attractive American business market, prompting many to learn Hindi to expand their businesses.

Raj, an expert on Vedic culture and a prominent yoga teacher, was sent by the Indian government as part of its soft power diplomatic efforts. He gave yoga instructions to thousands of people last year on 16 June, International Yoga Day.