An Israeli scholar is to be honoured at the 8th World Hindi Conference in New York this week for his contribution in popularising Hindi in the country.

Genady Shlomper has been teaching Hindi at the Hebrew and Tel Aviv University for several years during which more than 260 students have graduated with Hindi as one of their main subjects.

"It is a matter of great pride. I feel honoured," Shlomper told PTI, adding, "India is our old love, a friendly country with a glorious history and we hope with a glorious future."

Shlomper did his doctorate on 'Modality in Hindi' at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem after emigrating from Russia [Images], a work that was later published by Germany's [Images] Lincom-Europa Publishing House.

In view of the marked enthusiasm for the langauge, Tel Aviv University started a third year advanced course for Hindi enthusiasts last year.

Not to be left behind, the newly-instituted Indian Studies department at Haifa University has also launched a Hindi course.

"The honour bestowed on Genady will give a boost to India related studies in the country. It is a matter of great pride for all of us," Prof Zvika Serper, Head of Asian Studies Department at Tel Aviv University, told PTI.

The philologist has also published several Hindi textbooks and easy learning guide books with CDs for Israeli tourists, which have been a major success.

Shlomper has also been instrumental in organising Hindi Diwas in Israel for the past several years, which has attracted hundreds of India enthusiasts.

The three day World Hindi Conference scheduled for July 13-15 is being organised by the Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, New York, in cooperation with India's Ministry of External Affairs.

The central theme of the conference is 'Hindi at the World Stage.'

Several exhibitions will be at display during the conference to highlight the traditional and modern face of Hindi, covering its global reach and use of technology in popularising it.