Cultural RelationsIn 2010, in order

Cultural Relations
In 2010, in order to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, Festival of India
was celebrated across more than 45 cities in China. In December 2010, the two
countries signed a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) providing for greater
people to people cooperation in various fields. During the visit of President Hu
Jintao to India in March, it was decided to celebrate 2012 as ‘The Year of
Friendship and Co-operation’. In 2012, the Mission facilitated the signing of an
agreement between the Central Board of Secondary Education [CBSE] with HanBan
for teaching of Chinese in Indian schools. To popularize the teaching of
Hindi in China, two Hindi chairs were established in renowned universities in
Guangzhou and Shanghai. A Chinese translation of noted Sinologist P.C.
Bagchi’s ‘India and China-One Thousand Years of Cultural Relations’ was
brought out last year. In order to facilitate greater interaction with the Chinese
intelligentsia, the Mission organized a ‘Chinese Think Tank Summit’ on ‘IndiaChina
Relations’ in October. The Mission’s Flagship Chinese language
publication- ‘Jinri Yindu’ (Today’s India), now has a readership base of over
20,000. In China, especially amongst the younger age group, there is a great
desire to know more about Buddhism, Bollywood and Yoga. In 2012, while a 100
member Indian youth delegation visited China in June, a 100 member Chinese
youth delegation visited India in February and then again in November. In order
to connect better with the Chinese youth, the Mission has also opened an
account on the popular micro blogging site, Sina Weibo, which has over 15000
followers.
Community
At present Indian community in mainland China is estimated to be around
16,000. A major section of the community comprises of students- mostly studying
medicine in various Chinese universities. China is also home to a large number
of Indians as well as persons of Indian origin, working as professionals with
multinational and Indian companies.
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