Pictured… The Executive Committee of Hindi Shiksha Sangh (Gauteng): Rekha Bennideen (Regional Director), Pradosh Maharaj (Treasurer), Veenay Bennideen (Hon Secretary), Vrishthi Dhanlall (PRO), Satish Deochand (General Member) and Yakeen Atwaru (Assistant Regional Director).
The Hindi Shiksha Sangh (HSS) hosted the official launch of their Gauteng branch at the LTA Hall in Laudium this past Saturday (Aug 30) with a vibrant cultural evening of music, dance, recitals and poetry. Guests included Indian High Commissioner Shri Prabhat Kumar and Miss India-South Africa, Kiara Govender. Learners were also awarded National Hindi Examination certificates, with Ms Shabnum Naidoo placed 1st in SA for Level-3. Teachers, Pundita Rekha Bennideen, Yakeen Atwaru and Pundita Pranitha Leckram, who recently completed training via the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, also received certificates. In her address, Kiara stressed the importance of one’s mother tongue and the importance of learning languages in today’s global economy, while HSS-GP pledged to continue supporting Hindi schools and learners across Gauteng.
Hindi Shiksha Sangh-Gauteng launched in Ldm… the cultural way
A cultural evening was hosted last Saturday (August 30) at the LTA Hall in Laudium, to officially launch the Gauteng branch of the Hindi Shiksha Sangh (HSS-GP), where learners and families showcased the richness of Hindi through music, dance, recitals and poetry.
“This celebration marks not only our launch, but also our commitment to building a vibrant, united community for generations to come. Guests included the Indian High Commission, His Excellency Shri Prabhat Kumar and Miss India-South Africa, Kiara Govender.
Various local religious and cultural organisations rendered items of song, recitals and poetry, whilst dance academies rendered exhilarating dance items. Learners who wrote the national Hindi examinations were awarded with their certificates. We are exceptionally proud of Ms Shabnum Naidoo who was placed first in the country for Level-3 (Prarambhik level) of the national Hindi examination.
Three Gauteng-based Hindi school teachers, namely, Pundita Rekha Bennideen, Yakeen Atwaru and Pundita Pranitha Leckram attended an intensive Hindi teacher’s programme via the Mahatma Gandhi Institute based in Mauritius. They passed with flying colours and were also awarded their certificates in Capacity Building: Teaching of Hindi.
Miss India-South Africa, Kiara Govender, delivered a heart-warming talk about the importance of learning one’s mother tongue and the importance of learning languages to succeed in a multi-national corporate world.
‘Besides being cognisant of one’s roots and cultural heritage, languages are also critical within our BRICS economy and internationally, ‘Kiara said.
Hindi Shiksha Sangh (South Africa) has also engaged the National Department of Basic Education to encourage learners to enrol for Hindi as a formal examination subject. We are pleased that many learners have taken up this opportunity and have written Hindi exams at grade-12 level. Plans are afoot to further this initiative, to support Hindi schools in Gauteng, to support the establishment of new Hindi schools and to encourage participation at local events, as appropriate.
Hindi Shiksha Sangh – Gauteng Region (HSS-GP) was officially established on May 10, 2025. Its mission is to promote the Hindi language and culture across the Gauteng province, working hand-in-hand with the various local religious and cultural organisations, the SA Hindu Maha Sabha (Gauteng), the Indian Consulate and the Hindi Shiksha Sangh head-office, amongst others. The newly elected Executive Committee are: Pundita Rekha Bennideen (Regional Director), Yakeen Atwaru (Assistant Regional Director), Veenay Bennideen (Hon. Secretary), Pradosh Maharaj (Treasurer), Vrishthi Dhanlall (PRO) and General Members, Satish Deochand and Pundita Pranitha Leckram. With four active Hindi schools in Gauteng, our learners continue to excel in their studies and deepen their connection to language, culture, and heritage. Beyond education, HSS-GP is a hub for community spirit — fostering unity, respect, and cultural celebration.”
Submitted by – Veenay Bennideen
Hon. Secretary – HSS Gauteng
veenayb7@gmail.com