China-India Scholars Seminar organized in Beijing on the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to China – Dainik Savera Times

On Friday (April 12), a China-India Scholars Seminar was organized in Beijing, the capital of China, on the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to China. During this symposium, professors and scholars from both China and India came together to discuss and honor the lasting impact of prominent Indian poets, writers and philosophers on Indian and Chinese culture.

The symposium took place at the prestigious Peking University in China and was attended by a diverse group of scholars, researchers and academicians. Honorable attendees included Professor Avijit Banerjee, Director of the Department of Chinese Language and Culture, Visva Bharati University; Professor Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chowdhury, former Vice-Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University; Professor Baisakhi Mitra, Head of the Department of Museology and Rabindra Bharati Museum, Rabindra Bharati University; Chen Ming, Dean and Professor of the School of Foreign Languages, Peking University and Director of the Center for Indian Studies at Peking University;

Chang Shing, Director and Assistant Professor of the Office of South Asian Culture/Bengali Teaching and Research, Peking University; Dr. Sauraja Tagore, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Bhawanipur Education Society College and a distinguished Bharatnatyam dancer, etc. Also present were Consul Chang Zhizhong from the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata.

This occasion has great historical significance in China-India cultural contacts. The dignitaries present gave speeches on Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s first visit to China in 1924, which were very touching and inspiring. The event began with a keynote address highlighting the importance of cultural exchange between China and India and the enduring legacy of Rabindranath Tagore in both countries.

Throughout the symposium, scholars gave speeches and had lively discussions on various aspects of Tagore’s work and its influence on Chinese literature, philosophy, and culture. They discussed topics such as Tagore’s poetry, philosophical ideas and his role in promoting cultural exchange between China and India during his visit a century ago.

The presentations emphasized the deep connections between Tagore’s writings and Chinese culture, highlighting his universal message of peace, harmony and cultural understanding. Scholars discussed how Tagore’s ideas still resonate among the people of both countries, serving as a bridge to foster stronger ties between China and India in the 21st century.

Keynote speakers from China and India shared their insights on the enduring relevance of Tagore’s work in today’s world. He stressed the need for greater cooperation between the two countries to promote cultural understanding and mutual respect. The symposium also featured cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of Indian and Chinese art forms, thereby emphasizing the shared cultural heritage between the two countries.

The China-India Scholars’ Symposium promoted academic exchanges and cultural diplomacy and strengthened people-to-people ties between China and India. The participants agreed that it is important to organize more such initiatives to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.
Recommendations were made to establish academic cooperation, joint research projects and cultural exchange programs between Indian and Chinese universities and research institutes.

It was also suggested that similar seminars and workshops be organized in both countries to continue dialogue on shared cultural heritage and promote inter-cultural understanding. The China-India Scholars Seminar in Beijing to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit was a resounding success. It brought together scholars and intellectuals from both the countries to celebrate the shared heritage of cultural richness and intellectual exchange.

The event highlighted the importance of fostering stronger ties between China and India through academic cooperation, cultural diplomacy and mutual respect for heritage. As we look to the future, initiatives like this symposium will promote peace, harmony and cooperation between China and India, building on the lasting legacy of Rabindranath Tagore as a symbol of cultural understanding and friendship between the nations.

(Akhil Parashar, China Media Group, Beijing)