In a vibrant display of soft diplomacy and academic collaboration, a high-level delegation from the Indian Embassy in Beijing, led by Minister Shweta Singh, visited Beijing Foreign Studies University to engage with students and faculty dedicated to Indian studies.
The visit underscored the expanding cultural and educational footprint between India and China, focusing on the shared appreciation of linguistic diversity and historical ties.
During the interaction, students showcased their proficiency in Indian traditions, with the delegation holding extensive discussions with university authorities to praise the institution's pivotal role in fostering a new generation of Chinese scholars specializing in Indian history and culture.
The engagement was marked by a series of cultural performances where Chinese students recited poetry and performed songs in Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi.
These presentations were noted by the Embassy as a reflection of the students' deep-seated interest in India’s diverse heritage.
This academic outreach coincided with broader celebrations across China marking the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on April 9, 2026.
In Guangzhou, Consul General Gince Kuruvilla Mattam hosted an event bringing together practitioners and researchers from various nations.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Yu Longyu, a distinguished academic and the second recipient of the ICCR Distinguished Indologist Award, who emphasized the importance of ICCR as a pillar for mutual understanding.
Adding to the festivities, the Consulate General in Guangzhou held the "Hindi Idol" singing competition, where the top nine performers were felicitated for their linguistic and musical talents.
Meanwhile, at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the Foundation Day was celebrated with a showcase of Indian classical arts.
Students of the center took to the stage to demonstrate their skills in Tabla, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam, with many performing for the first time.
The event served not only as a platform for cultural exchange but also as a recognition of the dedicated teachers and ICCR alumni whose continued engagement remains vital in strengthening the cultural bridges between the two neighbors.
Source: ANI
