Port-of-Spain, Aug 21 - Learning Hindi helps to understand and practise Hinduism better, says an Indian diplomat.

Indian High Commissioner Malay Mishra said here: 'The study or the full appreciation of Hindi helps one to understand, practise and enhance Hinduism as one of the world's most major and relevant religions today.'

The Indian High Commission has a network throughout Trinidad and Tobago to offer opportunities for everyone to learn, understand and practise Hindi.

He was speaking Tuesday at the 26th anniversary celebrations of the Edinburgh Hindu Temple, Chaguanas where Leela Jugmohan, Indra Juman, Suresh Jaisir and Mohan Persad were recipients of the temple's anniversary awards.

Some 24 percent out of a population of 1.3 million people are practising Hindus, and there are over 200 temples spread across the country.

Mishra said: 'Its (Hinduism) teaching is universal and cuts across ethnic, cultural, social or geographical limitations.