by Parveen Gupta
Chairman of Indian Newspaper and Journalist Society, India
My understanding of China began during my school education, where I first encountered the country’s rich history and its intricate relationship with India. Through various courses, I learned about the ancient connections between India and China, the spread of Buddhism, and the impact of the opium trade on Chinese youth. This foundational knowledge sparked a curiosity that has shaped my professional journey and deepened my appreciation for China’s culture and development.
During my school years, I read extensively about China’s history. The destruction caused by the opium trade, as well as India’s ancient ties with China, were topics that fascinated me. By the time I reached my BA in History, I had developed a keen interest in the events that shaped modern China, including the Opium Wars and the heroic efforts of Indian doctors during the Sino-Japanese War. Dr. Kotnis, an Indian doctor who served in China, became a symbol of the deep-rooted humanitarian bonds between our two nations. However, the Sino-Indian War of 1962 left me perplexed, prompting me to explore the reasons behind this conflict and its impact on bilateral relations.
My career in international affairs journalism offered me a unique opportunity to delve deeper into China’s contemporary reality. In 1996, I began engaging with the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, participating in various programs and meeting numerous delegations from China. These interactions fueled my desire to understand China beyond the headlines.
In 2014, I was appointed as a representative of the India-based National Human Rights Council and invited to attend the “Beijing 7th Human Rights Conference.” This visit was a turning point in my understanding of China. I witnessed firsthand the country’s advancements in human rights, economic development, and cultural preservation. Visiting the Great Wall of China, a marvel visible even from the moon, was a humbling experience that underscored China’s historical grandeur and its commitment to preserving its heritage.
China’s progress in agriculture left a lasting impression on me. The diversity and quality of fruits, vegetables, and pulses were remarkable. The clean environment and excellent cleanliness systems were a testament to China’s commitment to sustainable development. The educational institutions and hospitals, offering free education and medical care, were indicators of a society that values the well-being of its citizens. A visit to a prison revealed the humane conditions under which prisoners live, reflecting China’s approach to rehabilitation and reform.
Traveling by local bus and interacting with Chinese people provided insights into their warmth and friendliness. The Chinese people, I found, were welcoming and viewed Indians as their brothers. This sentiment reinforced my belief that both India and China face similar challenges and misconceptions propagated by Western narratives. The rapid development and economic growth of both countries have understandably caused concern in the West, leading to efforts to drive a wedge between these two emerging powers.
Upon returning to India, I published articles about my experiences and the genuine hospitality of the Chinese people. My involvement with the India China Friendship Association, where I currently serve as Secretary General, has allowed me to further strengthen India-China relations. My family’s participation in Chinese Embassy events and frequent interactions with Chinese delegations have fostered a deep, personal connection with China.
One of the highlights of my travels was visiting Tibet and the World Heritage Site of the Potala Palace. The beauty of Nyingchi and its cultural parallels with Indian regions was striking. The people of Tibet showed a keen interest in Indian cuisine and music, demonstrating the cultural affinities that bind our nations.
I have studied the leaders of both India and China, and I believe that research on their policies and philosophies would benefit students from both countries. India and China are emerging economic powers, and external interference can strain our relations. Political differences should be managed wisely to prevent them from overshadowing our shared interests. The border between India and China should be seen as a gateway for collaboration rather than a boundary of division.
Trade, education, art, and cultural agreements should be extended to border areas, not just limited to New Delhi or Beijing. There should be no restrictions on cultural delegations or local border trade. Pilgrimages to sites like Kailash Mansarovar (Tibet) Sarnath, Bodhgya (India) should be facilitated with open hearts.
Proposals for Future Collaboration
Today, we are collaborating with various organizations in China and holding online meetings on a range of topics. To further strengthen our ties, I propose several initiatives:
Student Information Centers: Establishing centers to facilitate information exchange for s tudents of both countries. As many students pursue higher education in each other’s nations, these centers will support their academic and cultural needs. The reopened ancient Nalanda University, where numerous Chinese scholars once studied, can serve as a model for this exchange.
E-Libraries: Creating digital libraries to provide access to educational resources. Both countries have rich histories and have produced great leaders. Chinese scholars have translated Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, leading to increased interest in Indian culture. An open visa policy would further encourage cultural exchange.
Joint Human Rights Work: Collaborating on human rights issues to promote mutual understanding and improvement, countering Western propaganda that often misrepresents both countries.
4.Sino-India Cinema Collaborations: Encouraging Bollywood to shoot films in China, given the Chinese people’s fondness for Indian cinema, and vice versa.
5.Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, and Oriental Medicine Research: Conducting joint research on traditional medicine to benefit both nations.
6.Youth Exchanges: Facilitating youth exchanges to build a new history of cooperation and mutual growth.
7.Tourism Enhancements: Improving travel experiences todestinations like Kailash Mansarovar and Bodhgaya to boost tourism in both countries.
8.Agricultural Research: Conducting joint research in the agricultural sector to benefit both nations.
9.Cultural Festivals: Organizing joint food and cultural festivals to celebrate and share each other’s heritage.
10.People-to-People Diplomacy: Strengthening direct interactions between the citizens of both countries to build mutual trust and understanding.
11.Media Collaboration: Ensuring that media plays a positive role by presenting accurate and balanced information. Therefore, there is a need for India and China to overcome the
influence of Western propaganda and emerge as the world’s largest economic states. The ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the world is one family,” aligns with President Xi Jinping.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.