April 12 is an unforgettable day in the history of China-India cultural exchange. Ninety-nine years ago, on this day, Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore started his first visit to China by arriving in Shanghai at the invitation of the Chinese culture and studies world. Deep friendship was formed by increasing mutual understanding, which created a far-reaching impact.
Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Literature Prize in the year 1913. After this, many of his works were translated into Chinese language, which was welcomed by Chinese readers. Along with this, Thakur was also very interested in Chinese culture. When the Chinese culture and studies world invited him to come to China, Thakur immediately accepted with great joy.
On March 21, 1924, Thakur left Kolkata by ship with a six-member delegation. The delegation included Professor and Sanskrit expert Kshitimohan Sen of Visva Bharati University, famous painter Nandla Bose, Professor Kalidas Nag of Kolkata History Building etc. Were . When he reached the port of Shanghai, he received an enthusiastic welcome from the Shanghai Literary Study Association, the Shanghai Youth Association, the media and over 600 people from the overseas Indian community living there. Thakur told Chinese friends that for some unknown reason as soon as it reached china
Feels like I have returned home. I always feel that India is a close relative of China. China and India are old brothers. After traveling to Shanghai and Hong Cho city, Thakur reached Nan Ching. Here he gave a rousing speech addressing the local cultural world. He said that I have come this time to bow down to Chinese culture. I have a natural feeling for China. Broadly speaking, our task is to restore the suspended contact between China and India. Together we should encourage the sprout growing out of darkness by clearing misunderstandings.
On April 23, the Indian delegation reached Beijing. During this, Thakur gave a series of speeches on various occasions, which received a great social response. In his speech, he reminded of the traditional friendship between China and India and called for increasing the friendship between the peoples of the two countries and working together in the East. Emphasized on promoting civilization. Thakur’s 64th birth anniversary is on 7th May. Friends of Chinese studies world celebrated Thakur’s birthday with pomp. After visiting Beijing, the Indian delegation then went to Taiyuan City in North China and left for Japan from Shanghai on 29 May. Thakur had a deep attachment with China after visiting China. He became an honest and good friend of China. In the year 1954, the then Chinese Prime Minister Cho Enlai while visiting India said that we can never forget Thakur’s love for China. We should not forget the support given by Thakur in the national freedom struggle of China.
(Credits-Weitung, China Media Group, Beijing)
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