2. China-India Forum
a journey towards an`
Asian Citizens Assembly 2010
CHINA - INDIA FORUM YOUTH FESTIVAL
Cross-Cultural dialogue for Peace, Friendship and
Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
19th August - 2nd September 2007
Published by Global Citizens for Sustainable Development, Bangalore, India

3. Acknowledgements
China-India Forum is a joint initiative of Global Citizens for Sustainable Development/
Vedike, Bangalore, India and Center for Cross-Cultural Studies, Peking University,
Beijing, China. These organizations have extended their full support to the various
activities of the Forum since it was initiated in February 2007.
Our sincere thanks to the Charles Leopold Mayer Foundation for the Progress of
Humankind (FPH), Paris, France for their kind support to the China-India Forum.
A special thanks to Mr. Gustavo Marin for his motivation, encouragement and hope in
the younger generation to be the Leaders for Change in the 21st century.
“The youth need models and not critics.” In this Forum the true models were the
Advisers of the Forum: Prof. Zhao Baisheng, Prof. Jin Siyan, Prof. Yue Daiyun,
Prof.Jeevan Kumar and Prof.Makarand Paranjpe who have inspired all of the participants
and continue to do the same.
Anugraha John and Chen Dunfei worked as the joint Coordinators for the success of the
China-India Forum Youth Festival held in India between 17th August – 2nd September
2007 along with the members of the organizing team: Prateek, Mandakini Devi, Deepa
A.G, Ye Weida Tianji Zhao, Ashish John, Sangeetha Raju, Li Yaqi, Liu Mei,
The China-India Forum Youth Festival held in collaboration with Samvad India
Foundation, New Delhi, India, Center for Gandhian Studies, Bangalore University, and
Living Hope Association, Bangalore, India
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4. Welcoming the Chinese participants
Participants at Raj Ghat in Delhi
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5. Welcoming the Chinese participants
Session at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
Chinese participants in awe of the Taj Mahal
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6. CHINA-INDIA FORUM
a journey towards an Asian Citizens Assembly 2010
- Anugraha John
Coordinator, China-India Forum
Background
China and India have ancient civilizations and a long histories. The two countries have
created splendid cultures and made indelible contributions to human progress. In the
past several millennia, the two great civilizations have drawn upon each other’s strength
and left a glorious chapter in the annals of global civilization.
The people of India and China initiated cultural exchanges and trade centuries ago.
Eminent Chinese monks Fahien and Huen Tsang traveled to India on pilgrimages, and
Kumarajiva and Bodhidharma brought Buddhist classics from India to China. They were
great pioneers in the long history of exchanges between our two peoples. In modern
times, both countries enjoyed mutual sympathy and support in the struggle for
independence and liberation.
Today, both China and India are on the fast track of economic and social development,
demonstrating to the world the bright future of the two countries and the promise of a
revitalized Asia. China and India have carried out productive cooperation in many fields
and our relations have maintained good momentum of all-round development. In 2006,
China and India established the strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and
prosperity, which ushered in a new stage of growth in China-India relations. In
enhancing this China-India relationship, we need to both boost bilateral cooperation and
be global and future-oriented in outlook. As young leaders of China and India, we
should act with vision, view China-India relations in a long-term and strategic
perspective, seize the opportunity to enhance a good-neighborly friendship and cooperate
to forge a closer strategic partnership.
The year 2006, India and China Friendship Year, established between the two nations a
normal relationship after years of mistrust. There has been a significant “all-around
development” between the two countries since this point.
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7. The Alliance for a Responsible, Plural and United World supported by Charles Leopold
Mayer Foundation for Human Progress (FPH) since 1991 was involved with the ongoing
China-India exchange which has helped in creating a small wave of inter-cultural learning
between the two countries. To enhance this China-India friendship and cooperation there
is a definite need for an Indian and Chinese Citizens assembly to bring an Asian resurgence;
and perhaps it is time for young people to take responsibility to carry this forward.
The youth were reminded of the words of Mahatma Gandhi “Whatever you do will be
insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”
In this context of discussion, China-India Forum was launched in February 2007 by both
Indian and Chinese youth. From India, Mandakini Devi, Deepa A G, Prateek, and
Anugraha John joined hands with their Chinese friends at Beijing University Weida Ye,
Tianji Zhao and Dunfei Chen. This meeting was supported by the Charles Leopold
Mayer Foundation for Human Progress (FPH), Paris, France, and was facilitated by
Mr. Gustavo Marin, Prof. Zhao Baisheng, Prof. Yue Dai Yun, Mr. Chen Yueguang, Prof.
Jin Siyan and Qi Haibin.
At this meeting Anugraha John (India) and Dunfei Chen (China) were unanimously
selected to play the role of Coordinators of the China-India Forum.
In February 2007, China-India Forum set the following objectives and the vision for the
Forum with the understanding that Forum will be open for discussion and changes as
they move forward.
Objectives of the China-India Forum:
1. To Promote Chinese and Indian Cultural and Historical Pluralism.
2. To enhance cross-cultural dialogue and exchange of knowledge and shared values of
both cultures.
3. To create a society of “Citizens of the Earth”: a well-informed and committed
young people with a clear vision about intercultural understanding in a world
where local and global issues are intertwined.
4. To foster peace initiatives and promote good governance and sustainable living for
bridging gaps
5. To put forward an alternative perspective on key issues affecting the Environment ,
IT, Education, and Cultural processes within China and India
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8. Anugraha John addressing at the Youth Convention
Inauguration of the Youth Convention at Bangalore University
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9. Senior members at Mysore Palace
Participants at Gala dinner party in Bangalore
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10. Vision of China-India Forum 2007 to 2010:
China-India Forum is a platform to promote Peace and Friendship between both
countries. Youth will work together towards achieving Sustainable Development
China-India Forum will create a platform for government, media, religious leaders, local
people of both countries, farmers, youth, women, businessmen and other professionals,
and educational institutions to foster cross- cultural dialogue for the citizens of both
countries, to live in harmony and solidarity, to understand the rich culture of both lands
and work towards a nonviolent society.
This vision will be carried out through various activities throughout the three years
2007 : China-India Forum Youth Festival
2008 & 2009 : China-India Inter-Cultural Dialogue for
Sustainable Development and Peace
2010 : Asian Citizens Assembly led by the China-India Forum
Activities with India and China as partners will be carried out from the year 2007 and up
to 2010 through inter-cultural dialogue, people-to-people contact, responsible tourism,
exchanges, and fair trade.
Phase 1: China-India Forum Youth Festival
Global Citizens for Sustainable Development/Vedike (NGO in Bangalore) in
collaboration and support by the Charles Leopold Mayer Foundation for Human
Progress (FPH), Center for Cross-Cultural Studies, Peking University, China, Samvad
India Foundation (NGO in Delhi), Centre for Gandhian Studies, Bangalore University,
Bangalore, Living Hope Association (NGO in Bangalore), and other NGOs organized
the China-India Forum Youth Festival.
China-India Forum Youth Festival 2007 was not just a workshop (theme-based) oriented
festival but more of a gathering to celebrate life and cultural diversity, share and exchange
both contemporary and traditional art, dance, music and food of both the countries.
Twenty-one Chinese participants from colleges and universities, along with a few Chinese
scholars and professors came to India on 19th August 2007 and stayed through 2nd
September 2007. They traveled from North to South India and had a rich cultural
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11. experience in India for fifteen days. These Chinese friends had been preparing for this
journey in India almost two months before they arrived in the country.
In India, the Chinese friends visited places such as Delhi, Agra, Bangalore, Chikmagular,
Mysore, H.D Kote, Cochin and Alleppey. They traveled using different modes of
transport and experienced an “Indian ride” by bus, train, airplane, horse cart, and jeep.
It was not mere tourism but a responsible eco-tourism through experiential learning.
Every stop they made at various locations in India there was something to learn and to
give back in return to fellow Indians.
Both India and China have sites which are listed among the Seven Wonders of the
World. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s love for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal was
manifested through the monument of love, Taj Mahal. The Chinese friends admired the
beauty of Taj Mahal for long hours. This was also an occasion to discuss a brief history of
India and the Moghulistan - land of the Moghuls.
Krishna Janmastami celebrates the appearance day of Lord Krishna in Mathura. It is
celebrated in an elaborate way in Vrindavana. Rasa-lila plays are performed, which show
different pastimes of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna appeared in Mathura
about 5,000 years ago. During such a celebration, our Chinese friends visited temples in
Vrindavana at the banks of Yamuna river.
In North India, they visited different sites in Delhi, Agra and Mathura. Some of the
other places they enjoyed visiting were: Rajghat Gandhi Samadhi, Lotus Temple - Bahá’í
House of Worship, Jama Masjid, Gateway of India, walking around in the streets of Old
Delhi and tri-cycle rides.
South India must have been a different experience for our Chinese friends as they first
visited Chikmagalur in the state of Karnataka, which is nestled in the Baba Budan hills.
Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of scenic hills, valleys, streams and snow-white
coffee blossoms. They had an opportunity for a three-day home stay with mainly coffee
and areca nut farmers for a more personal and cultural interaction.
After having visited other beautiful places and temples around the community where they
lived, we arranged one evening for a youth dialogue. There were more than 40 Indian
youth gathered to see the Chinese friends and have an interaction with them. Questions
were exchanged about stereotypes, food, religion, language, culture, agriculture and other
practices of both countries. The Indian youth were in awe of the Chinese having so
many talented youth who win Olympic medals for their country. To this comment, one
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12. of the Chinese friend responded that government takes good care of the athletes and a
lot of money for infrastructure and training is spent. The Chinese youth were surprised
to know that Indian youth did not feel the need to live in cities and they were happy
with their occupation and were living an enjoyable life. In their discussion, both groups
found that family was the most valued part of their lives. That evening gathering ended
with celebration: dance, singing and dinner.
In Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka state, the Chinese friends visited the great
Mysore Palace and learnt about the Wodeyars. The Wodeyar dynasty ruled over Mysore
Kingdom for almost 550 years and were known as patrons of art and culture,
contributing significantly to the cultural growth of that city. It was also a time for
shopping for various traditional arts and crafts, garments and the sweet dish Mysore Pak.
FEDINA (an NGO working in South India) helped us arrange a visit to a tribal
community living in the forest in Nagarhole near H.D Kote. This was mainly a honey
collecting community known as jenukurubas (jenu means honey). The community leader
Sommana facilitated the discussion in Kanada (state language) which was being translated
to our Chinese friends. This community has been facing many challenges in the forest
and have been fighting for their rights. The community spoke about their problems and
abuse of rights, displayed techniques how they work with the bees while collecting honey,
shared some honey with the visitors and were also curious to know more about China.
The Chinese friends were surprised to see all the children and families having smiles on
their faces amidst all of these problems, and were very touched to have met, hugged and
interacted with the tribal community.
One of the important programs of the festival was the youth convention in Bangalore,
India where the Chinese youth stayed together with young Indians on the beautiful eco-
friendly campus of Visthar (NGO in the north of Bangalore).
The youth convention was held between 25th August – 28th August 2007. On 25th
August, the convention was inaugurated at the Centre for Gandhian Studies, Bangalore
University, Bangalore by opening of an exhibition, “Gandhiji in Mint and Print” from
the personal collection of Dr. V.S Yalvigi. The remainder of the three days at Visthar
included an intense program for cross-cultural dialogue, presentations, discussions on
serious issues, and joyous moments, all with the purpose of carrying out the larger effort
for Peace, Friendship and Sustainable Development.
Dr. Jeevan Kumar, Director, Centre for Gandhian Studies invited guest speakers and
facilitators; Sandeep Shastri, Du Lingling, Yu Jing, Zhao Baisheng, Gustavo Marin
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13. (FPH), John Clammer, R.L. M Patil and other guests to jointly light the lamp. This
process is very common to inaugurate auspicious conventions or projects in India.
Anugraha John and Chen Dunfei jointly presented the background of China-India
Forum and the purpose of gathering at the convention. Gustavo Marin in his
inspirational talk said if China and India can be at Peace, then one-third if the world’s
population is at peace. He challenged the youth to create a world community with
responsibility, ethics, values and good governance. He asked us to join force with China-
India Forum to promote people-to-people dialogue and hope that these two nations will
set examples for the others. He also assured that FPH will back such initiatives of the
China-India Forum in their journey towards a Citizens Assembly.
The first day of the convention was more an intellectual presentations by the experts on
themes such as, Chinese and Indian Cultural and Historical Pluralism., role of Religion
especially Buddhism for Peace in China and India and environmental concerns. The
experts who contributed were Sandeep Shastri, Du Lingling, Yu Jing, R.L.M Patil, Tenzin
Legtsok, Duan Yinghong, Tan Xuewan, Vincent Furtado, Leo Saldanha, Bhargavi Rao,
Zhao Baisheng and John Clammer.
The next three days youth took the main stage. They raised various issues to promote the
idea of ‘Global Citizenship’ and were seriously concerned about issues of our generation:
globalization, environment concerns - global warming, climate change & water crisis,
poverty, HIV/AIDS among other health issues, cultural consciousness and many more.
Through dialogue they pursued to find possible solutions for the various problems in
their respective countries. They motivated each other to become Change Makers.
The various presentations by youth gave a wider knowledge, spectrum and motivation to
all the participants. The presentations made by youth were as follows:
Environment (Global Warming & Water Concerns):
Anugraha John, Li Yaqi, & Dunfei Chen
This session was chaired by Dr. Bhavani Shankar
Role of I.T., Education and Media:
Weida Ye, Xiaolu Ma, Ityendra & Aanjan
This session was chaired by Mr. Arun Subramaniun
Role of Women in India and China:
Ma Jing, Niu Jie, Priyanka Rao, Dipti Khule, Natasha & Prutha
This session was chaired by Dr. Poornima Vyasulu
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14. Health - HIV/AIDS concerns in India and China
Xiaobing Zhang, Shijie Zhao, Satyam & Susan
This session was chaired by Dr. Manish
Role of Spirituality, Materialism and Religions (Buddhism and Confucianism) in
Promoting Social Harmony and Peace in India and China:
Mei Liu, Leran Chen, Xuetian Dai
Chinese Cultural and Historical Pluralism:
Hong Liu, Furong Zhao
Comparative Perspective on Arts and Culture / Literature:
Tianji Zhao, Yi Tang , Prateek
During the conference, Santha Kumar helped the group to connect with each other at a
personal and inter-personal level through various energizers. The group was asked to
unveil the different masks that they wear at different occasions and to be the real person
with each other.
There was so much to learn from all facts and figures, to analyze the differences and
similarities and to work towards bringing positive change in the society.
Dr. Siddlingiah, Chairman of the Kanada Development Authority awarded the certificate
to both Chinese and Indian youth participants and encouraged the youth to work
towards creating a better and peaceful society.
Overall, this convention saw a geo-cultural diversity from both countries with a gender
balanced participants. The youth had time for talent hour, singing, dancing, karate
moves, fun skits, games, football match and a great party in a restaurant in the city.
The Festival concluded with a three days retreat in Alleppey in the state of Kerala (also
called as the Venice of the East) during the auspicious Onam Festival widely celebrated in
Kerala. This was a time to also reflect and plan for the follow up of the China-India
Forum. After several discussions both Chinese and Indians felt the need to expand the
Forum and have a trilateral axis which would be more conducive to regional stability and
prosperity. Inclusion of Japan one of the most powerful and developed nation in Asia in
achieving the objectives would definitely strengthen our walk towards an Asian Citizens
Assembly in 2010. The Forum will take significant steps and effort to include almost
every other country from Asia in the process after the China-India-Japan Forum in 2008.
The next phases of this journey were proposed as such:
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15. Phase 2: China-India-Japan Forum – 2008
July 2008 – China-India-Japan Inter-Cultural Exchange in Japan
December 2008 – E-Forum (youth Dialogue) and follow up meeting in China.
Phase 3: China-India-Japan Forum - 2009
July 2009 – Asian Youth Assembly in China
December 2009 – E-Forum (Inter-Generational Dialogue)
Phase 4: Asian Citizens Assembly in India – 2010
After the Inter-cultural encounter and exchange in 2007 in India, in 2008 in Japan & in
2009 in China, youth involved in the process would have attained knowledge and
understanding on issues related to different thematic. They would be empowered and as
young leaders work and influence policy in their respective countries for sustainable
development and peace.
The E-Forum in December 2009 will focus and initiate an Inter-Generational Dialogue
and thus setting right tune for an Asian Citizens Assembly for both youth and adults
perhaps in July 2010 in India.
Mr. Thomas Chandy, Kuttanad-Member of the Legislative Assembly awarded the Chinese
friends with souvenirs in Alleppey and was impressed with the youth activities through
the China-India Forum.
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16. WHAT IS REAL INDIA?
- Ma Xiaolu
When after six and a half hours of traveling, a group of twenty-one Chinese youth
stepped on this legendary land, they had no idea what they would confront. Even in the
middle of the night, Indira Gandhi International Airport was crowded with people who
had just arrived. Their faces were filled with hesitation, anxiety, curiosity, and agitation.
Luckily, the China-India Forum’s Indian team, Gabriel Marin (a young French guest
participant to the Festival), Prateek, and Anugraha John found them right at the exit of
the airport and extended their warm welcome. Their hospitality was a great ease for the
Chinese participants. Just like that, the 15-day journey in India began.
“So what kind of India are you going to show us?” was the general question by the
Chinese participants.
And one of the Indian organizers replied, “It’s not a problem of what kind of India we
will show you. It’s a question of what kind of India you are trying to find. Believe me,
we will show you everything. Nothing is there to be hidden. What you got to do is to
follow us and feel it by heart.”
Yes, they were going to show the Chinese youth the most colorful and vital India indeed.
During the following 15 days, Chinese participants admired one of the seven wonders of
the world – Taj Mahal, lived in farming communities in the Western Ghats of Karnataka,
met tribal communities, and were able to draw similarities from a communist state, well-
known as “God’s Own Country” – Kerala. In addition, they attended a four-day youth
conference in Bangalore.
“Will I get to know the real India?”
This question haunted most of the Chinese participants when they went to bed at
around 3 o’clock that day morning.
A Religious Adventure
“I’ve never expected that we are going to visit so many temples, mosques, and monuments of so
many religions! They are so different from one another,” one of the Chinese team members
cried out one morning, when she found that their next stop was another temple.
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17. India is a paradise for religions. A country proud of its diversity, showing no aversion to
any of the religions around the world, Indians practice Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism,
Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity and many others. In one small block of Old Delhi,
temples of all religions could be found. Chinese participants were amazed to see people
waiting in queue outside temples in a so called “market.” In China, the temples are
situated in valleys or mountains. It was difficult to imagine that temples could get so
close to everyday life.
“Everyone has an air of piety and tranquility when they come out of the temple. It, to me, is a
miracle. In China, before we go to the temples, we have to get ourselves clean and tidy,
because that’s the way to worship their god, but in India, it seems that they have a totally
different definition of purity. They go to the temples after crossing filthy, narrow streets. Their
hands might be dirty after, but they come out clean and neat after their pray. It’s always nice
that you can find somewhere to get eternal tranquility,” one of the Chinese teachers said,
after the visit to Jama Masjid, which looked spectacular in the glow of the sunset. A flock
of doves were circling high overhead. Children were gamboling around near the temple,
enjoying the best time of life, while their beautiful mothers stood silently in the street,
gazing on them with nondescript elegance and grief.
One young Chinese girl told one of the Indian participants,”you know, I think I found
the place where gods live,” after they went out of the Vrindavan, birth place of Lord
Krishna. The team got there when the darkness was gathering. There was an atmosphere
of peace and calm, quite different from the atmosphere of an Indian metropolis. It was
hard to see the number of temples there were. Once, people were attracted by the music
coming from an assembly hall. The story of the birth of god was put on stage there. This
performance would continue for over a month. Although Chinese team members knew
nothing about the performance, they admired it from the entrance of the hall for a long
time. “It reminds me of Peking Opera.” One Chinese boy said.
The team was received by Srivat Groswami in his reception room. The room was
decorated with his family photos telling people the history of this place.
“When you have ten things to do, please take a bath first. When you have a hundred
things to do, please have a meal first.”
His words were simple, but insightful. It was not the first time Chinese people got in
touch with Indian philosophy, but for the first time they felt that all complexity lied in
simplicity. So did religions in India.
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18. Visit to the Living Hope Boys Home
Interaction with the tribal community
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19. Chinese participants enjoying some Indian local style of dancing
Song presentation by the Indian youth participants
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20. It’s all about countryside and nature
“As I retrace the days in India, I can only call myself a lucky dog, ‘cause I love every part
of it. To tell you the truth, as a child growing up in a city, the time I spent in the
countryside is quite little and the trip to Chikmaglur is unforgettable. I enjoyed the
morning bath and the night dance. I will always remember the smile of our host and
hostess. They were so kind to us - waiting us coming back till midnight and preparing
warm beds, even new sheets for us – only parents would do this to their beloved
children!”
A Chinese girl said that when the trip was about to come to an end. Many Chinese team
members never expected that they would have a chance to go to the countryside of India.
They lived with local families in a rural community for two days. Many had never lived
in the countryside before and never expected that their first experience of farming would
come from a visit to an Indian plantation.
Everything looked fresh and clean. Chinese participants were awakened by the chirps of
birds in the morning. It was quite a pleasure to observe the hostess washing the floor
with spring water and decorating the house with newly picked flowers. The mountain air
helped to work up an appetite an the food and coffee were quite delicious.
The interaction with local community was the most intriguing part of the trip. Serious
discussions were involved and interesting questions were raised. People from China and
India were so eager to know each other; they talked about society, family, religion,
politics and economy. Everyone was sincere and frank, time passed quickly, and everyone
was eager to raise more questions. They knew so little about each other, yet they wanted
to know everything. The discussion sessions always ended with dancing, allowing body
language to speak for each culture.
Most Chinese members saw Indian local villagers as an inextricable part of nature in
India.
“Their life looks so real. It tells us a man’s faith to nature and soil. I love their pure-
heartedness.”
“Chinese member’s second chance of communing with nature was in Alleppey, an ideal destiny
for vacation. To take a boat ride in the southern Indian jungle was an unforgettable
experience for everyone. It was a rich mosaic of meadows, rivers and coconut palms,” one
Chinese team member said:
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21. “India is much greener than China. The sight of luxuriant vegetation brings me energy.
Chinese people always hold up their philosophy as the one that cares about the harmony
between nature and human beings, but I think Indian people do better than us in
retaining this harmony at least in recent years.”
The Indian guys love miracles
Indian architecture made a deep impression on the Chinese team members. They took
dozens of pictures at the Taj Mahal and would have loved to do the same at the Mysore
Palace. There was no need to go back to the history of these two constructions to prove
their greatness. The “dream in marble” speaks for itself.
“Here everything is breathtaking. I cannot imagine when Taj Mahal was completed and
unveiled to the world for the first time, how people filled with wonder at the sight.”
Among all the symbols of inseparable love, Taj Mahal is no doubt the most poetic one.
The Royal Emperor Shah Jahan was great in that he tried to express his love to Mumtaz
Mahal in such an unusual way. Even Chinese people, hundreds of years later, felt
intensely his romantic love.
“As I step forward, there is always something unexpected that adds beauty to Mysore
Palace. The whole thing is a miracle.”
Another girl said that, while admiring the palace from the garden. In fact, everywhere
Chinese people went; there would be something that caused them to cry out with
surprise and admiration in Mysore Palace.
The two structures were just a miniature of all the Indian grandiose structures. The Bahai
House of Worship (The Lotus Temple) marked the end of Chinese participants’
adventure of Indian architectural triumphs as a grand epilogue.
I think Indian guys love miracles. Otherwise they wouldn’t have built so many wonders
that could only exist in dreams.
Always on road
If someone checks the schedule of the China-Indian forum, he will be astonished to find
the large number of lines with “On Road”. “We actually spent far more time on road
than is shown on the schedule! That’s Indian Time.” One Chinese participant said.
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22. Community living experience with farmers in Chikmagular
Karnataka Folk performance
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23. Home stay experience at a farmer’s house
Graceful stretch by a Chinese participant
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24. Regardless of the time, Chinese participants tried almost all the vehicles in India, e. g.
plane, bus, pedi cab, carriage, subway, jeep, etc..
- Although the traveling never seems to come to an end, we still had so much fun
on road. I can still remember when nine of us were riding the same carriage (Oh, the
poor horse) during the midnight, when we went back from Vrindavan; Li Yong started to
sing a song of one of Chinese national minorities, and everybody sang after him. We had
so much fun!
Another unforgettable entertainment was no doubt “the killers”. “It was not only a game
to kill time, but a good way to know each other.” It is true that with young people
together, you never feel lonely. They can always find some way to get rid of boredom and
fill the world with laughter and joy.
Friendship- that’s the key word for China-Indian Forum
- I shall always cherish my trip to India, because I get to know you guys.
This is what was written in a Chinese team member’s blog. His words will be echoed in
most participants’ mind. At the very beginning of the trip, everyone was a little bit
concerned about whether they could communicate with each other well. There was not
only the problem of language, but also the big gap between two great civilizations.
However, with the hospitality and warmth of Indian team members, Chinese participants
felt at ease. In Bangalore, there was a section when people worked with an Indian
psychologist who told them to remove masks from their face and express their true
feelings. Actually they’ve already done that. Even from the group photos could we see
their gaiety.
One Chinese guy said after the three day forum in Bangalore, where they stayed with 21
Indian youths from different parts of India to understand the differences and similarities
betweens peers:
- Since we are young, we are quite open-minded. It’s not that difficult to find common
topics between us. We share same opinions in many ways. Besides, I find the differences
between us interesting. I think we can learn from each other.
During the departure time, great sadness filled everyone’s heart. Some girls even burst
into tears. It was not the things but the people that they were going to miss most. And
they promised to write to each other after returning back home.
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25. The most important component element of one civilization is people, from whom one
can understand the civilization they are living in and that’s what trans-cultural
communication is all about. Through culture comparison, we not only get to know
another civilization but we also know more about ourselves. Thanks to the China-Indian
forum, both the Chinese and Indian team members knew more about the two most
important civilizations in the world.
- Please don’t ask me the question about what India is. That’s the memory that I
will cherish forever. That’s the people who I will always call “brothers”. For me, it’s a
combination of joy, believe, tranquility, friendship. Or, simpler, that’s miracle.
Participants at the China-India Forum Youth Festival
China
Dunfei Chen, Tan Xuewen, Weida Ye, Tianji Zhao, Raphaël Chen, Mei Liu, Yaqi Li,
Xuetian Dai, Jie Niu, Yong Li, Xiaolu Ma, Shijie Zhao, Xiaobing Zhang, Furong Zhao,
Jing Yu, Yi Tang, Yinghong Duan, Lingling Du, Jing Ma, Hong Liu, Zhao Baisheng.
India
Dipti Khule, Priyanka Rao, Anjan Anthony, Rakesh Singh, Satyam Pukhrem, Ityendra,
Prateek, Judith Ann, Noor, Manish Kumar, Mandakini Devi, Deepa A G, Anugraha
John, Ashish John, Sangeetha Raju, Praneet, Gautam, Suzen Pao, Natasha Mehta, Aditi
Kulkarni, Prutha Trivedi.
France
Gabriel Marin, Genevieve Marin & Gustavo Marin
USA
Catherine Ahern & Katy Frank
Japan
John Clammer & Sakura Ono
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