New Delhi: Prof. Dr. Shilpa Khatri Babbar, Professor of Sociology at the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS), Delhi, recently presented her book, Step into Hindi: A Simplified Journey for Icelandic and English Speakers, to Icelandic Ambassador Benedikt Höskuldsson.
The book was written during Prof. Babbar’s tenure as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Iceland. Designed as an accessible introduction to Hindi, the publication goes beyond conventional language instruction to serve as a cultural bridge between India and Iceland.
Rather than being a traditional grammar textbook or academic treatise, Step into Hindi reflects Prof. Babbar’s efforts to foster deeper cultural understanding and linguistic exchange. Inspired by her interactions with the Icelandic community and their interest in India, the book aims to make Hindi learning approachable for Icelandic and English speakers.
The presentation of the book to Ambassador Höskuldsson underscores the growing people-to-people ties between India and Iceland, highlighting the role of cultural and educational initiatives in strengthening bilateral relations. The occasion served as a reminder that enduring connections between nations are built not only through diplomacy and policy but also through shared learning, mutual curiosity, and human engagement.