The statue of poet-philosopher and the first Nobel Laureate from Asia “Gurudev” Rabindranath Tagore has been installed at the Indian Embassy in Beijing. The statue, which was unveiled on Saturday, October 25 has been created by famous Chinese sculptor Yuan Xikun.

The Tagore statue was unveiled by Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Rawat. A special programme was organised at the embassy on Saturday on this occasion. A discussion called ‘Sangamam’ was also held at the same time.

Rawat said at the event that Rabindranath’s visit to China a century ago was a milestone for both countries. The poet’s message of humanity continues to inspire both countries today. Along with this, in his speech, Rawat also highlighted Rabindranath’s friendship with Chinese poet Xu Zhimo and social activist Liang Qichao.

Yuan Xikun, an acclaimed sculptor, has also sculpted a Gandhi statue with the Mahatma sitting in a unique sitting posture with a book in his hand. The statue was installed in 2005 at the picturesque Chaoyang park where the Indian Embassy celebrates Gandhi Jayanti every year. Yuan is also the long-time curator of the famous Jin Tai Art Museum located in Chaoyang park.

Tagore’s connection with China

Incidentally, Rabindranath Tagore visited China a total of three times. His popularity and recognition in China is not less. Tagore saw China as a vital civilizational neighbour and believed in a future of fraternal partnership between India and China, based on shared values and mutual respect. He expressed this during his 1924 visit, saying he hoped the trip would bring China and India closer for a bond based on mutual friendship and cultural exchange, not political or commercial gain. He also strongly condemned Japan’s aggression against China, prophetically stating that China was “unconquerable”.

In 2009, a survey was conducted in China, where the names of Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, were among the 50 foreign citizens credited for China’s modernisation. On the other hand, the poet also considered China to be India’s ‘close kin’. He believed that in terms of civilization, China and India have many similarities in values.

Cheena Bhavan at Visva-Bharati University

Rabindranath Tagore also built the “Cheena Bhavan” or “China Bhavan” at Visva-Bharati University founded by him to facilitate a balanced exchange of education and knowledge between the two countries.

“Cheena Bhavana” at Visva-Bharati University is a research centre for Chinese language and culture, established in 1937 by Rabindranath Tagore to promote Sino-Indian cultural exchange. It houses a significant library with Chinese books and manuscripts, and its main hall features frescoes by Nandalal Bose and his students. The institute has been a hub for scholars and a symbol of Indo-Chinese friendship and has a library with an extensive collection of Chinese documents.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share