Indian poet's legacy celebrated in Shanxi with academic seminar

People visit the Shanxi Merchant Museum, where Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore visited 100 years ago. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn]

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore's maiden visit to China, scholars from around the country gathered at the Shanxi Merchant Museum in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, for a series of cultural activities that kicked off on Saturday.

Tagore, also a renowned writer, philosopher and social activist, first visited China in 1924 at the invitation of Chinese scholars Liang Qichao and Cai Yuanpei. During his trip to China, Tagore visited several cities, including Taiyuan.

Liu Yuwei, director of the Taiyuan Cultural Relics Bureau, said the commemorative activities include an academic seminar on Tagore's works and life pursuits, poetry recitals of his literary works, and visits to the places where Tagore had been.

He said Tagore had extensive and in-depth exchanges with local intellectuals during his stay in Shanxi. He conveyed deep affection and friendship towards the Chinese people and recognized and appreciated the cultural ties between China and India.

An attendee recites Rabindranath Tagore's poems at an event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Indian poet's maiden China visit in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Aug 3, 2024. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Through these activities, we hope to further strengthen mutual learning between Chinese and Indian civilizations, deepen academic exchanges, and enhance understanding and mutual trust," Liu said.

Zhang Wenqing, curator of the Shanxi Merchant Museum, said Tagore visited the museum — the former site of the Shanxi governor's mansion — 100 years ago, making it the ideal spot to hold the commemorative event.

Munila Anwaier, a Peking University student who considers Tagore a spiritual mentor, recited his poems during the event.

"Standing on the same stage where Tagore once gave a speech to recite his poems, I feel extremely honored," Anwaier said.

Attendees recite Rabindranath Tagore's poems at an event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Indian poet's maiden China visit in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Aug 3, 2024. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn]

Attendees take a group photo at an event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore's maiden China visit in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Aug 3, 2024. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn]