The 9th world Hindi conference was on Saturday inaugurated by Minister of State for External Affairs Parneet Kour in Johannesberg. South Africa's Minister for Finance Praveen Govardhan Ji was the chief guest. South Africa's Minister of State for External Affairs Morias Fransman and Art and Culture Minister of Mauritius Mukeshvar Chini were also present on the occasion.

Preneet Kaur said that India is trying its very best to make Hindi official language of the UNO. New Delhi is doing its very best to achieve this goal and it had achieved some progress. On the diplomatic level also, New Delhi is making contacts with another countries to realise the objective.

Finance Minister of South Africa told the gathering that South Africa also carries the profound memories of Mahatama Gandhi's Association. He acknowledged the spirit of Gandhi in their struggle against apartheid and said Nelson Mandela carries the true spirit of Gandhi. He also spoke about India's contribution in the cultural ties with South Africa.

The 9th Vishwa Hindi Sammelan is organised by Govt of India with the support of Hindi Shikhsa Sangh, South Africa. AIR correspondent reports from Johannesberg that the conference will deliberate on a series of traditional and contemporary themes related to both classical and modern aspects of Hindi. The theme of the conference this year is Bhasha Ki Asmita Aur Hindi Ka Vaishvik Sandarbh.

The first world Hindi conference was held on 1975 in Nagpur. Since then eight world conferences have been held in different countries. AIR correspondent adds that this would be the first world Hindi Conference to be organised in a country of African continent. About 600 delegates and writers from various countries are participating in the 3-day conference.