Need for more cultural exchanges between China & India: Ma Zhanwu

SANTINIKETAN(WB): China's Consul-General in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu, today emphasised on the need for more cultural exchanges between Beijing and New Delhi.

"We should emphasis on more cultural exchanges. Learning Chinese and Hindi would contribute towards that end," he told PTI here on the eve of commencement of the programme to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Cheena Bhavana.

All school children in China would read Rabindranth Tagore as Tagore's work are part of the Chinese school curriculum, the Consul-General said.

When asked about Chinese studies in Visva Bharati, he said anyone studying Chinese would contribute in understanding Chinese culture.

The Cheena Bhavana (Institute of Chinese Language and Culture) at Visva Bharati university was founded in April 1937. Tagore had invited Prof Tan Yunshan to serve as the first chairperson of Cheena Bhavana.

Zhanwu said he was happy to know that 117 students were studying Mandarin at Cheena Bhavana.

The Consul General said Beijing's relationship with New Delhi is important as it emphasises China's resolve to develop relations with neighbouring countries and major powers.