Following Tagore's Footsteps

AN ACADEMIC AND ARTISTIC JOURNEY 100 YEARS LATER

CHINA 2024 

BACKGROUND

In Photo:  Literature Laureate Rabindranath Tagore visiting Beijing, China in 1924. He was accompanied by Chinese translator Lin Huiyin ( left) and poet Xu Zhimo ( right ).

The Consulate General of The People's Republic of China in Kolkata made intensive preparations to mark Rabindranath Tagore's centenary visit to China in April 2024. Dr. Souraja Tagore, Assistant Professor, The Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, along with a team of artists, scholars, and journalists were invited to China from 10th -18th April 2024 to commemorate Tagore's visit to China. Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai were among the major cities visited by the team. Scholars, artists, and students exchanged ideas during seminars, cultural events, historic site visits, and academic symposiums. Souraja was also invited to the Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing on 17th April 2024. With more than 1400 years of history, the Fayuan Temple is one of Beijing's most beautiful temples. There are lilacs lining the inside of the temple. It was in 1924 that poet Tagore visited the temple with his dear friend and translator Zu Xhimo.


Media Coverage: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYqijYg2C9vEH4XW5vkQZWqRiEggTW3o/view?usp=sharing 

VISITING BEIJING | DAY 1  

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, CASS

11 APRIL 2024

On 11 April 2024, Souraja visited the International Conference commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore‘s visit to China. This program was organised by the Editorial Department of South Asian Studies, Centre for South Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The event was sponsored by the National Institute of International Strategy (NIIS), the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the Bureau of International Cooperation, CASS, and the Chinese Association for South Asian Studies(CASS), Beijing , China. A welcome address was delivered by Mr. Li Xiangyang, Director-General of the National Institute of International Strategy, CASS. In addition, Mr. Zhao Zhimin, Secretary-General of CASS, and member of CASS' Leading Party Members' Group, discussed cultural exchanges between China and India. In her talk, Souraja discussed Zhu Zhendan: The Man Who Embodied Spiritual Freedom. A student-to-student interactive session was followed by Souraja's participation in the session.  To conclude the event, Souraja signed copies of Tagore's The Crescent Moon for students and young scholars.

Souraja delivering a talk on Zhu Zhendan: The Man Who Embodied Spiritual Freedom. Seminar held on 11th April 2024 at the Editorial Department of South Asian Studies, Centre for South Asian Studies, CASS, Beijing, China.

Souraja signing copies of Tagore's The Crescent Moon on 11th April 2024 at the Editorial Department of South Asian Studies, Centre for South Asian Studies, CASS, Beijing, China.

A Facebook link where Souraja performs a Tagore song ( sung by Manoj Murali) at the beautiful heritage campus of  The Chinese  Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing, China, April 2024: 

https://www.facebook.com/100087493236662/videos/7397577270319197/ 

VISITING BEIJING | DAY

The Peking University

12 APRIL 2024

On April 12, 2024, Souraja attended a seminar on the 100th Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to China at Peking University, Beijing, China.  Peking University's Democracy Building hosted the event. Dr WANG Jing introduced the guests and members of the seminar. During the welcome speech, Professor CHEN Ming addressed the audience. Souraja delivered a lecture on Tagore's relationship with China. There were also performances by South Asian Studies graduate students at Peking University, as well as Indian scholars and artists. In attendance were Mr. CHEN Ming, Dean and Professor of the School of Foreign Languages, Mr. David Wang, Director of the Peking University Centre for Indian Studies, Mr. Professor LOU Hong, Director of the Sanskrit and Pali Department of the School of Foreign Languages, Peking University, Deputy Director of the Centre for Indian Studies, and other dignitaries.  Peking University also provided guests with a campus tour and a photo opportunity with the Tagore bust. 


Interview with Akhil Parashar, Peking University, Bejing, China 2024

https://www.facebook.com/100000160267468/videos/322469027289427/ 

In front of the Tagore bust at Peking University, April 2024

Zhang Zhizhong, Souraja Tagore, Baisakhi Mitra, Avijit Banerjee, Sabyasachi Basu Roy Chaudhury,  Sudeshna Banerjee, Manoj Murali, Zhang Xing (left to right) 

Souraja during an interview with Mr. Akhil Parashar at Peking University, Beijing, China, 2024

A Campus Tour at The Peking University, Beijing, China, April 2024

Souraja delivering a lecture on Tagore's relationship with China at The Peking University, Beijing, China, April 2024

Souraja Tagore performing with students at The Peking University, Beijing, China 2024 

Souraja Tagore with dignitaries and students at The Peking University, Beijing, China 2024

VISITING SHENZHEN | DAY 3 

The Shenzhen University

13 APRIL 2024

On 13 April 2024, Souraja attended the Symposium Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of  Rabindranath Tagore's visit to China at Shenzhen University. The event was organized by Shenzhen University's Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, School of Humanities, and Centre for Indian Studies, Shenzhen University. The event was hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Consulate General of China in Kolkata, Shenzhen University, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Peking University's Center for Indian Studies, and Lanzhou University's Center for Indian Studies.

During the opening ceremony, Dr Yang Xiaoxia from the School of Humanities, Shenzhen University, welcomed the guests. Shenzhen University's Director of International Communication and Cooperation, Miss Han Shuixian, delivered the opening lecture. Among the special guests was Professor Dong Youchen, President of the International Congress for Bengali Studies and editor-in-chief of the Complete Works of Tagore. A talk on Tagore and his Relevance in Modern Times was presented by Souraja Tagore. It was followed by an interactive session between Indian scholars and Chinese students. A concluding remark was made by Professor Yu Longyu, Director of the Shenzhen University Centre of Indian Studies. 

At Shenzhen University, dignitaries visited the Tan-Yun-shan Sino-Indian Friendship Museum. As part of the visit, dignitaries also viewed the bronze statue of Tagore, presented by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), India to Shenzhen University.

Visiting the bronze statue of Tagore, presented by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), India to Shenzhen University.

(from Left to right) Dr Souraja Tagore, Dr Avijit Banerjee, Prof. Yu Longyu, Dr. Sabyasachi Basu Roychoudhury, Dr Baisakhi Mitra, Dr. Sudeshna Banerjee.

Souraja Tagore delivering a talk on Tagore and his Relevance in Modern Times at Shenzhen University, China, April 2024

Souraja Tagore with guests, students and staff at The Shenzhen University, China, April 2024

Souraja Tagore with a Tagore scholar at The Shenzhen University, China, April 2024

Souraja discussing the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and its beauty with the eighty-four years old Professor Dong Youchen, President of the International Congress for Bengali Studies and editor-in-chief of the Complete Works of Tagore at The Shenzhen University, China, April 2024

VISITING SHANGHAI 

The  Tongji University and Jinyuan Senior High School 

15 APRIL 2024

Souraja visited The Tongji University on 15 April 2024. She was a participant in the China-India cultural exchange. Additionally, she was shown the Rabindranath Tagore and Tongji exhibition at the university. Interacting with students from different countries was an exciting experience for her. 

Next, she visited the Jinyuan Senior High School where she participated in cultural exchange talks with teachers and taught Tagore dance to students,  explaining the meaning and philosophy behind the dance and literature. 

A video report: 

https://www.facebook.com/100077993982184/videos/743835414613997 

A news report:

https://voiceofkolkata.com/from-kolkata-to-shanghai-indian-artists-visit-shanghai-to-retrace-the-footsteps-of-tagore/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR38aiXs4U19qC5It0SbX2ylFuYCc1wAGOLPIQ24m0tF_X2hE2AcoIiTR3A_aem_AWcTCGDWzdC3LGrgSTVnLgXwKJLw5969aX7-ESY4VJ7_9DWmNOj7QnfG1Z8w3xJ4xJ_ynv78vKjQX_GLghyKiHPq  

Souraja Tagore with foreign students at The Tongji University, Shanghai, China, April 2024

Visiting the Tagore bust at Shanghai, China, April 2024

Souraja Tagore with students at The Jinyuan Senior High School, Shanghai, China, April 2024


Souraja Tagore with students at the Jinyuan Senior High School, Shanghai, China, April 2024

Souraja Tagore with students at The Tongji University, Shanghai, China, April 2024

BACK TO BEIJING 

The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple 

17th April 2024

Souraja was invited to the Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing on 17th April 2024. With more than 1400 years of history, the Fayuan Temple is one of Beijing's most beautiful temples. There are lilacs lining the inside of the temple. It was in 1924 that poet Tagore visited the temple with his dear friend and translator Zu Xhimo. On her visit to the Poetry Festival, Souraja met with Tony Zhu, the grandson of Zu Xhimo. Souraja and Tony were the special guests for the event. 

At the festival, Souraja was given an honorary Chinese name 紫丁香 (Zǐ dīngxiāng), the English translation of which is 'Lilac'. 

The news reports : 

Tony Hsu, grandson of Xu Zhimo with Souraja Tagore at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, 2024

Tony Hsu, grandson of Xu Zhimo with Souraja Tagore at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, 2024

Tony Hsu, grandson of Xu Zhimo with Souraja Tagore and organizers at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, 2024

Souraja Tagore performing at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China , April, 2024

Souraja Tagore performing at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China , April,  2024

Souraja Tagore performing at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China , April, 2024

Souraja Tagore at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China , April, 2024

Souraja Tagore at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April,  2024

Souraja Tagore at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China , April, 2024

Souraja Tagore during an interview at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April , 2024

Souraja Tagore during an interview at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore with actors dressed as Rabindranath Tagore and Xu Zhimo at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

PHOTO GALLERY

Souraja Tagore with renowned Chinese Poet, Shu Ting, during a special lunch organised by the government officials at Xicheng District in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore with Liu Dongwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Xicheng District Committee, and District Mayor, during a special lunch organised by the government officials at Xicheng District in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore with renowned Chinese Poet, Shu Ting, Tony Hsu, and other Chinese officials during a special lunch organised by the government officials at Xicheng District in Beijing, China, April, 2024

The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April , 2024

Chinese artists performing at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore with co-artist Manoj Murali and a visiting friend at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024


From The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore with Tony Hsu and his family at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore admiring the spring flowers at the beautiful heritage campus of the Centre for South Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing, China 2024

Souraja Tagore performing at a concert organised by The Shenzhen University, China, April 2024

Souraja Tagore during an interview at The Peking University, Beijing, China 2024

Souraja Tagore during an interview at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore during a performance at The Peking University, Beijing, China, April, 2024


Souraja Tagore with Tony Hsu and young artists and teachers at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore attending the Poet's Meet at The Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Tong He Ju Banquet organised for special guests in Beijing, China, April, 2024

High School students learning Indian Dance from Souraja Tagore, China, April, 2024

Chinese actors recreating the historic scene where Rabindranath Tagore, Xu Zhimo, and Lin Huiyin met at the Fayuan Temple in 1924, at The  Centennial Lilac Poetry Festival of Fayuan Temple in Beijing, China, April, 2024

Souraja Tagore, in front of the Tagore bust at Shenzhen University, China, April 2024

NEWS PAPER COVERAGE

Report from The Telegraph T2 published on 26 May 2024. 

Reporter: Sudeshna Banerjee

Report from The Telegraph T2 published on 26 May 2024. 

Reporter: Sudeshna Banerjee

Report from The Telegraph T2 published on 26 May 2024.

 Reporter: Sudeshna Banerjee