China celebrates 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
What's the story
Mahatma Gandhi's popular quotes and bhajans resonated today in the sprawling Chaoyang Park in Central Beijing where people from all walks of life gathered to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary. A cultural team from the Indian Embassy in Beijing sung Gandhi's most popular bhajans and some of his popular quotes were recited by the Chinese school children. Here are more details.
Installation
Gandhi's statue was installed in the park in 2005
The statue of Gandhi carved by China's acclaimed sculptor and artist Yuan Xikun was installed in the park in 2005, providing an opportunity for his admirers to pay homage to him. Besides Gandhi, Yuan has also sculpted the bust of Rabindranath Tagore which is displayed in the museum attached to the park. The statue was garlanded by Charge D'affaires of Indian Embassy Acquino Vimal.
Admiration
Gandhi's thought, philosophy recognized and appreciated by Chinese thinkers
A large gathering of Indian diplomats, including the Charge D'affaires and Indian expats attended today's function. "Starting today, Embassy of India, in collaboration with others in China, intends to celebrate in a major way the birth anniversary of Gandhiji," Vimal said. "Gandhiji did not visit China, however, his thought and philosophy has been recognized and appreciated by Chinese thinkers," he added.