Knowledge is that lamp which, the more you share, the more it grows

Find out more about ANSHUL

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  Yes, I grew up speaking Hindi as my native language, which naturally became a strong part of my identity from an early age. Being surrounded by Hindi in my home, school, and daily life helped me develop a deep understanding of the language, not just academically but emotionally and culturally as well.
  
  Over time, my inspiration to teach Hindi didn’t come from a single event, but from my growing love for the language—its richness, literature, expressions, and the way it connects people. I realized that Hindi is more than just a subject; it carries culture, traditions, and stories within it.
  
  This realization inspired me to share my knowledge and help others learn Hindi in a meaningful and enjoyable way, whether they are beginners or looking to strengthen their skills.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  One of the most emblematic representatives of Hindi language and culture is Munshi Premchand.
  
  He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in Hindi literature. Through his stories and novels, he beautifully captured the essence of Indian society—its struggles, values, traditions, and human emotions. His works, like "Godaan" and "Nirmala", reflect rural life, social issues, and the depth of human character in a way that truly represents Hindi culture.
  
  What makes him especially significant is his simple yet powerful use of Hindi, which made literature accessible to common people. He didn’t just write stories—he gave a voice to society and brought Hindi language closer to the hearts of millions.
  
  That’s why I see him as a true cultural symbol of the Hindi language.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  Yes, one Hindi expression I particularly love is “अतिथि देवो भव” (Atithi Devo Bhava).
  
  It means “The guest is equivalent to God.” This simple phrase beautifully reflects the core of Indian and Hindi-speaking culture—respect, warmth, and hospitality. It’s not just a saying, but a value that people genuinely try to live by in everyday life.
  
  I also really like the word “संस्कार” (Sanskaar). It doesn’t have a perfect one-word translation in English, but it represents values, ethics, manners, and the moral upbringing a person carries throughout life. It’s a very deep and meaningful concept that shapes personality and behavior.
  
  Both of these show how Hindi is not just a language, but a reflection of culture, emotions, and values.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Hindi matters deeply to me because it is not just a language—it is a part of my identity, emotions, and cultural roots. It is the language in which I first learned to express my thoughts, connect with people, and understand the world around me.
  
  Hindi allows me to communicate with warmth and authenticity. Many emotions, feelings, and cultural expressions feel more natural and meaningful in Hindi than in any other language. It helps me stay connected to traditions, literature, and values that have shaped who I am.
  
  As a teacher, Hindi is even more important to me because it gives me the opportunity to pass on this richness to others. I don’t just teach vocabulary or grammar—I help students understand the beauty, depth, and cultural significance behind the language.
  
  For me, speaking Hindi is about connection—connecting with people, with culture, and with a sense of belonging.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  One of the main difficulties in learning Hindi is adjusting to its different script (Devanagari) and sentence structure. For beginners, reading and writing can feel challenging at first, especially because Hindi uses a completely different alphabet than English. Additionally, the word order (Subject–Object–Verb) and the use of gender (masculine/feminine nouns) can be confusing.
  
  Another common challenge is pronunciation. Hindi has sounds (like “ट”, “ठ”, “ड़”) that don’t exist in English, so learners may find them tricky to pronounce correctly.
  
  However, the learning process becomes much easier and enjoyable with the right approach:
  
  1. Consistent practice – Regular reading, writing, and speaking helps build confidence.
  2. Learning through conversation – Speaking with a tutor or native speaker improves fluency quickly.
  3. Using real-life examples – Stories, movies, and daily conversations make learning practical and fun.
  4. Understanding patterns instead of memorizing – Once students grasp basic rules (like gender and verb forms), things start to make sense naturally.
  5. Guidance and encouragement – A supportive teacher can simplify complex concepts and keep learners motivated.
  
  In my experience, when students learn Hindi in an interactive and friendly environment, these difficulties gradually turn into strengths, and the language becomes much easier to master.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  One memorable incident from my school days really shaped the way I look at Hindi today.
  
  I remember a class where we were asked to read a Hindi story aloud. A student in my class was very hesitant—he struggled with pronunciation and often mixed up simple words. Many students would giggle, and he gradually lost confidence.
  
  Our teacher noticed this and instead of correcting him strictly, she did something different. She asked him to come forward and read just one small paragraph, and then she appreciated his effort in front of everyone. She even shared how making mistakes is a natural part of learning any language. After that, she started giving him short, daily reading tasks and gently guided his pronunciation.
  
  Within a few weeks, that same student began reading more fluently and confidently. The change in him was incredible—not just in language, but in self-belief.
  
  That moment taught me a very important lesson: language learning is not just about grammar and vocabulary, it’s about confidence, encouragement, and the right guidance.
  
  Today, as a Hindi tutor, I carry that lesson with me. I always try to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, because that’s where real learning begins.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Although I grew up speaking Hindi, travel has played an important role in deepening my understanding of the language in real-life contexts.
  
  Whenever I visited different regions, I noticed how Hindi slightly changes in tone, vocabulary, and style. For example, the way people speak Hindi in villages is often more traditional and rich in idioms, while in cities it can be more mixed with English. This exposure helped me understand the diversity within Hindi itself.
  
  During one trip, I had the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds—shopkeepers, locals, and fellow travelers. I realized that real-life conversations are very different from textbook Hindi. People use informal expressions, emotions, and cultural references that you don’t usually find in books. This experience improved my listening skills, adaptability, and natural fluency.
  
  Travel also helped me appreciate how language connects people. Even with different dialects or accents, Hindi becomes a common bridge that brings understanding and comfort.
  
  These experiences have made me a better tutor as well, because I can now teach students not just “book Hindi,” but also practical, real-world communication skills that they can confidently use in everyday life.