The Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (MGAIHV) Act, 1996 was enacted by the Indian Parliament on 8th January 1997, establishing the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University in Wardha, Maharashtra. The Act came into force on 29th December 1997, following a notification by the Central Government. Named after Mahatma Gandhi, the university was envisioned to promote and develop Hindi language and literature globally, ensuring its recognition as a major international language. The institution was also tasked with fostering comparative studies in Indian languages, translation, interpretation, and linguistics, while extending Hindi education through distance learning.

Academic Contributions: Focuses on translation studies, linguistics, and comparative literature, bridging Hindi with other languages.
Cultural Diplomacy: Engages with diaspora scholars and foreign institutions to globalize Hindi.
Challenges: Balancing traditional language preservation with contemporary needs (e.g., digital Hindi, technical terminology).

The MGAIHV Act, 1996 established a unique institution dedicated to Hindi’s global promotion, blending academic rigor with cultural diplomacy. By embedding Gandhian ideals and modern governance, the university continues to play a pivotal role in preserving and propagating Hindi while adapting to 21st-century challenges. Its framework serves as a model for language-based higher education in India.