'Chinese people keen to embrace mesmerising Indian culture'

China has said that the 'Glimpses of India Festival', the biggest cultural event being held all over the country this year, will unravel the "mysterious and mesmerising" Indian culture to Chinese people who are "keen to learn and embrace" it.
Throughout the millennium the Indian and Chinese civilisations learnt from each other and made tremendous achievements together, China's Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao said while inaugurating the festival here last night with dance performances by artists from famous Chennai-based classical Indian dance institution, the Kalakshetra.
"Even today, the Chinese people are mesmerised by the mysterious culture of India and also eager to learn more about the oriental wisdom, spirit and charm embodied in the Indian civilisation," he said at the show attended by over 1,600 people, mostly the Chinese, at the Poly theatre.

"I believe that the activities during the Glimpses also offer an opportunity and window to Chinese people to learn about India, get close to India and embrace India," Liu said about the festival which will be held in 12 cities in China in phased manner this year.
He said the Chinese and Indian dreams are closely linked to each other and mutually reinforcing and both countries have jointly established a strategic cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity.
"By cooperating with each other working for peaceful development confirms to interests of our two peoples," he said, adding that the close ties will bring about peace and stability for the world and Asia.

Indian officials say that it is perhaps one of the most successful cultural events being held with large participation of Chinese people from various walks of life.

"We have made a conscious effort to reach various universities, cultural institutions besides China's famous social network Weibo to generate good response," Deputy Indian Ambassador Bala Bhaskar said.
The same show was held at the famous Tshinghua University today in which several hundred students took part. The same show will be held later this week in Chengdu city.
Indian Ambassador Ahok K Kantha said the festival with series of events showcases Indian performing arts, exhibitions of modern Indian arts, depictions of Buddhism links between the two sides, food and film festivals, and dialogues bringing together eminent Indian and Chinese scholars and writers.

Promotion of economic and trade ties between our two countries and two-way tourist flows will also be important part of the activities, he said.
"We believe that the Glimpses of India Festival will reinforce the foundations of India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership, enhance understanding of India art, culture and society among the people of China and contribute to maintaining the strong momentum in our bilateral relations," he said.