A letter from an Indian fan of CRI

A Memorable Meeting with Ma Zhanwu, Hon’ble Consul General of China in Kolkata

Some moments in our lives leave a lasting impression in our hearts. One such moment happened in my life on May 2. It is a moment in my life that I will never forget.

I am a common man of India living in a small village named Bomnagar, a microscopic dot on the map of West Bengal, India.Since 1985, I have been listeningto China Radio International’s (CRI)-English, Hindi and Bengali programmes almost every day. I am also an article contributor to China Plus’ Opinion-Editorial column, strongly interested in Chinese politics, social and cultural issues and on India-China relations with special focus on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Rabi Sankar Bosu(L) and Consul General Ma Zhanwu have a talk at tea break. [Photo provided to China Plus]

Bylisteningto CRI programmes and reading news reports on the websites of China Plus, China.org.cn, Global Times, People's Daily Online, CCTV and Chinese Consulate Office in Kolkata, China Embassy in New Delhi every day, I have integrated myself into the Chinese culture and have been enjoying it, living far away from Beijing. China is my green favourite country after my motherland.

I have been promoting India-China culture exchange and friendship for over 33 years. I am the founder of the New Horizon Radio Listeners' Club (NHRLC)which has been helping CRI-China Plus reach the remotest rural people in West Bengal. In spite of being an unemployed, I along with the members of my radio club have been organizing blood donation camp since 2012 as well as other social works for promoting Chinese culture as well as the brands of Chinese media on the grassroots level in our part of the globe.

Rabi Sankar Bosu(L) receives a certificate from Consul General Ma Zhanwu.[Photo provided to China Plus]

Our efforts also have been noticed and praised by the Kolkata Consul General Mr. Ma Zhanwu and Chinese Ambassador to India. Impressed by my love and work for China and going through my article contributions to CRI-China Plus, Consul General Ma invited me along with Ms. Manisha Chakraborty, NHRLC Cultural Secretary, and Mr. Akash Das, member of the NHRLC to have tea with him in the afternoon of May 2, 2018. Consul Ms. Suyan Li and Ms. Mou Chakraborty, Senior Assistant for Political and Media Affairs of Chinese Consulate office were also present.

Consul General Ma Zhanwu and Suyan Li welcomed us warmly. The Consul General awarded me with a “Certificate of Appreciation.” I got overwhelmed when he presented me the certificate as a reward for my selfless love and respect for China and CRI. He said, “I am very much impressed to see your love and work for China. I appreciate you for all what you have done for the cause of China-India friendship. I cordially wish you and your club could influence more locals and play a pivotal role in bridging China-India friendship.” I feel honored of receiving the certificate from China government which is really a life-time achievement for me. Tears filled my eyes and I cannot describe such ecstatic moment of my life in words.

Consul General Ma Zhanwu sends presents to Rabi Sankar Bosu. [Photo provided to China Plus]

The consul-general also handed over the prizesfor members of our club who won prizes in the Knowledge Contest on China-India Friendship and the 19th National Congress of CPC. In addition to the prizes, he filled our hearts offering us great Chinese gifts, books, videos. He encouraged us to continue our efforts of promoting the friendly exchanges and cooperation between our two neighboring countries.

In a cordial atmosphere, Ma Zhanwu briefed us on the latest development in the China-India relations. He also gave us an introduction of the 40th anniversary of China's reforms and opening-up. He introduced us about the major measures taken by China in its opening-up as announced by President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018. He stated that reforms and opening-up under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core are the second revolution in China, which have not only changed the country in a fundamental way, but have also had a great impact on the whole world.

A collection of presents with Chinese cultural elements. [Photo provided to China Plus]

The consul-general further said a Chinese Higher Education Expo will be held in Kolkata from 10 to 11 May 2018 in which as many as 62 universities from China will participate. He cordially invited the members of our club to visit this education expo.

Indeed, it is a memorable moment of my life. It's just like a minister-level meeting what we usually saw on TV. I will treasure this memorable meeting as a mark of deep friendship that we received from Ma Zhanwu and other consulate staff. To conclude, I would like to say that we'll leave no stone unturned for promoting India-China friendship. “Long live India– China Friendship.”

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With best regards,

Sincerely yours,

Rabi Sankar Bosu