Science and Technology question from JKAS Prelims, 2018 by JKPSC
President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the World Hindi Secretariat in which country?
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Mauritius
Key Details About the EventInauguration: The World Hindi Secretariat (WHS) building in Port Louis, Mauritius, was inaugurated by the then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, during his state visit to the island nation in March 2018. Objective: The primary objective of the Secretariat is to promote Hindi as an international language and to strengthen institutional mechanisms for its global propagation, eventually aiming for recognition at the United Nations. Funding & Foundation: While the land was provided by the Government of Mauritius, the construction was fully financed by a grant of ₹33 crore from the Government of India. The foundation stone for this institutional building was originally laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit in 2015. Historical Context: The conceptual seed for a global platform to promote Hindi was first sown during the first World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur, India (1975), by the then Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. Overview of the Other Options:Fiji: Home to a massive Girmitiya (Indian indentured laborers) diaspora, where Fiji Hindi is recognized as an official language under its constitution.Madagascar: Visited by President Kovind during the same bilateral tour in 2018, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the strategic Western Indian Ocean island nation. South Africa: Heavily populated by the Indian diaspora, particularly in Durban, holding major historical ties with India through Mahatma Gandhi's early political struggles.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.