BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Cover photo: Trevor Williams introducing the panelists.
Atlanta, GA, February 21, 2025: Hindi, spoken by over 600 million people worldwide, is not just a language but a cultural force that connects people across borders. From Bollywood to boardrooms, its impact continues to grow in business, education, and entertainment.
A panel discussion titled Bollywood to Boardrooms: Hindi’s Rise as a Global Language was hosted at the Consulate General of India in Atlanta on February 11, 2025. Organized by Global Atlanta, the event brought together experts from various fields to discuss the increasing significance of Hindi. Trevor Williams of Global Atlanta moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Ashish Bisaria from Trajector, Irene Soteres from Atlanta International School, Vicki Flier Hudson from High Road Global Services, and Rahim Samji, a playwright and Bollywood music producer.
The panelists spoke about Hindi’s role in shaping cultural and economic narratives and how language skills help build global connections. Consul General of India Hon. Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan emphasized that “Hindi is not just a means of communication but represents the soul of India.” He pointed out that Bollywood has played a key role in spreading the language, stating, “Audiences worldwide sing along to Hindi songs even if they do not understand the words.”
Lakshmanan also spoke about the revival of Hindi classes at Atlanta International School and India’s government-led initiative Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), which brings students, teachers, and policymakers together to discuss educational challenges. He noted, “This year, the program had over five crore participants and focused on exam-related stress, mental well-being, and career concerns.”
Dr. Stuart Minson from the Atlanta Global Studies Center at Georgia Tech highlighted the strategic importance of engaging with India, saying, “Many students at Georgia Tech are from India, and this reflects India’s growing influence in global affairs.” The center has introduced a new undergraduate course, Global Bollywood, and is working on additional Hindi courses for heritage speakers. Efforts are also underway to secure funding for a visiting professor’s chair in Indian studies. Minson invited attendees to the upcoming Atlanta Global Studies Symposium on April 4, which will feature discussions on global languages, placemaking, and identities, along with a Bollywood dance performance.
The event also featured Hindi poetry recitations, music, and dance performances.
During the discussion, panelists addressed the common perception that English proficiency is enough in India and questioned why learning Hindi is necessary. Hudson, who has worked in India for over two decades, argued, “Language learning is not just about communication; it’s about cultural identity and new ways of thinking.” She shared, “Learning a language improves problem-solving skills and strengthens human connections.”
Bisaria spoke about his own experience, explaining, “While I was primarily educated in English, knowing multiple languages, including Hindi, has helped me navigate different cultural settings both personally and professionally.”
Soteres from Atlanta International School discussed the importance of language education in preserving cultural identity. She noted, “Hindi has been part of our Heritage Language Program since 2017. We incorporate real-world applications of language through cultural music, science experiments, and entrepreneurial projects.”
Bollywood’s global reach was another key topic of discussion. Samji shared his experiences in Atlanta’s growing film industry, often called “Y’allywood,” and its natural connections with Bollywood. He said, “My journey in theater, music composition, and filmmaking has shown me the profound role of language in storytelling.” He highlighted his play Azadi, which is gaining international attention, stating, “A strong literary foundation enhances creative expression.”
The panelists also discussed how language and culture play a crucial role in business. They emphasized that effective communication goes beyond fluency, as understanding cultural nuances can help build trust and prevent misunderstandings in global business environments. The discussion highlighted how different cultures interpret agreement and commitment. For example, they explained that in India, repeated affirmations like “okay” or “acha” may reflect politeness rather than a definite commitment. Similarly, timelines and deadlines may carry different levels of urgency in different cultural contexts.
Panelists agreed that engaging with another language, even imperfectly, fosters empathy and deeper human connections. As Bisaria remarked, “Learning Hindi is not just about speaking a language—it is about understanding a culture.” As businesses and institutions increasingly recognize the value of Hindi, its influence is set to grow, creating stronger ties between India and the world.
