BURLINGTON, MA — It was a landmark evening for Hindi language lovers in New England as Hindi Manch debuted its first-ever Hindi Language Quiz during Sahitya Sammelan 2025, delivering a high-energy, live TV-style experience that blended learning, entertainment, and cultural pride.
Held before a packed and enthusiastic audience, the quiz emerged as one of the standout highlights of the annual literary celebration—earning rave reviews from both participants and attendees.
Staged on Sunday, December 14, at the Academy of Creative Arts in Burlington, the event marked a bold new chapter for Hindi Manch, an organization long dedicated to promoting Hindi language and literature through poetry, music, and cultural expression. This year, the addition of the quiz—aptly titled “Sahitya Ka Gyaan, Khoje Hindi Vidvaan”—took audience engagement to a whole new level.
“This was about creating a fun, immersive way to deepen people’s connection with Hindi,” said Preetesh Shrivastava, President of Hindi Manch and quiz master for the evening. “The response was overwhelming. The audience loved it, and the energy in the room confirmed that this is the beginning of a new tradition.”
A Quiz with a Prime-Time Feel
From the moment the quiz began, it was clear this was no ordinary competition. Leveraging technology seamlessly, the program featured a polished, professional presentation complete with dynamic slideshows, video elements, and on-screen questions—giving the evening the feel of a televised game show.
“The entire program was supported by a wonderful slideshow and video presentation,” said Yogen Pathak of the Hindi Manch technology team. “It was a pleasure to be part of the AV team and see everything come together so smoothly. The experience was both satisfying and memorable.”
Questions challenged contestants on Hindi literature, authors, vocabulary, idioms, and cultural knowledge—from identifying the author of Rangbhoomi to deciphering the meaning of nuanced words like Parakashtha. The format was fast-paced, interactive, and intellectually stimulating, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Four Teams, One Winner
Four creatively named teams took center stage, each bringing sharp minds and spirited competition to the stage:
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Bin Bulaaye Vidwaan
Shweta Rawat, Sanjay Jain, Devashish Tiwari, Dilip Gahlot -
Shabdon Ke Shikaari
Ruchi Suhane, Anita Chourasia, Nidhi Gupta, Sanjeev Kavala -
Manch Ke Moti
Anju Gupta, Jyoti Soni, Jayashree Chamaria, Sanjay Arora -
Uttar Nahi, Uttar Aaye Hain
Jaya Vatsayan, Monica Wadhwa, Abhishek Bali, Shiv Jha
After a thrilling contest filled with quick thinking and literary depth, Team “Shabdon Ke Shikaari” emerged as the winner of the night, drawing loud applause and admiration from the audience.
Learning Through Celebration
While the quiz stole the spotlight, Sahitya Sammelan 2025 stayed true to its roots. The evening also featured moving poetry recitations, sher-o-shayari, and songs, showcasing the richness of Hindi expression.
Poets Poppy Charnalia, Kiran Nath, Maneesh Srivastava, Sachin Gupta, and Manoj Chourasia captivated the audience, while singers Selina Banerjee and Ashutosh Patel added musical warmth to the program.
A satirical poem addressing feminism prompted mixed reactions from the audience, illustrating how poetry can challenge viewpoints and stir thoughtful discussion within a diverse community.
The event was anchored by MCs Vrushali Nar, Smitha Bharadwaj, and Ali Rizvi, whose seamless transitions kept the evening flowing. Dr. Abha Agrawal, the chief guest, added to the occasion’s significance, while bonus players Jaya Panday, Pankaj Shah, Gaurav Dixit, and Shekhar Shastri further enriched the quiz segment.
A New Tradition Is Born
Hindi Manch Vice President Anish Khanzode described the quiz as a milestone for Hindi Manch’s mission. “This program took language preservation to the next level,” he said. “People didn’t just listen—they participated, learned, and rediscovered what they already knew in a fun and interactive way. It was a big victory for Hindi and for our community.”
Director Jharna Madan highlighted the role of volunteers behind the scenes. “The true strength of Hindi Manch lies in its volunteers,” she said. “From planning to execution, setup to cleanup, their commitment made this event a success. Even the cold couldn’t dampen their spirit.”
Buoyed by the enthusiastic response, Hindi Manch now plans to expand “Sahitya Ka Gyaan, Khoje Hindi Vidvaan” beyond New England, with aspirations to take the quiz to a national level in the coming years.
What began as an experiment has clearly struck a chord—proving that when language, creativity, and technology come together, learning can be both powerful and unforgettable.
(Picture credits: FotuDuniya and Sumit Sharma Photography.)
