Hindi, regional languages must be encouraged: President

President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday said the use of Hindi and regional languages must be encouraged.

Speaking at a function organised on the occasion of 'Hindi Divas' at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, he said: "The constitution provides that Hindi should be developed in such a way that it should reflect India's composite culture. Hindi has therefore been entrusted with a very important role.

"For democracy to be progressive, the use of Hindi language and regional languages will have to be increased.

"The use of Hindi in internet and mobile services has increased manifold and this would be helpful in providing efficient administration to the public," he added.

The president said language was helpful in enabling government policies and schemes to reach the people.

Mukherjee presented the Rajbhasha awards instituted by the Rajbhasha Vibhag in the home ministry to recognize the contribution of ministries, departments and nationalized banks in the field of Hindi.