In the land of Mahatma

Mona

To share stories of her land and learn ours is what brings Qin Wei Wei to Chandigarh. She is part of Chinese Peoples Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries. 

A walk around Panjab University where she was duly received with a red rose and an autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, she shares exuberantly, “The campus is so much bigger than my university and youngsters way more active.”

Credit this to the Panjab University Athletics meet that she will attend. As enthused as Qin Wei Wei, who goes by her English name Rachel, are these 14 youngsters – seven from Germany and seven from China – exploring India.

The young guests were first received by Pramod Sharma, co-ordinator of Yuvsatta and Prof Mohd. Khalid from the Department of Political Science at Gandhi Bhawan, where Prof Khalid shared the 135-year-old rich legacy of Panjab University, established on October 14, 1882 in Lahore (now Pakistan), later it was relocated to Punjab in India after Partition in 1947.

“Back home, we are facing anti-refugee, anti-foreigner sentiment, Chinese Peoples Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries is an attempt to foster bonds and get over prejudices,” opens up Chantal Jakstadt, who handles international affairs with State Sport Federation, Nordrhein –Westfalen. 

Sports sure work as the perfect mingling ground and as the international delegates shake hands with PU students, the energy is palpable. “The idea is to promote friendships, and at times these bonds last life long.”

Toby, 22, from Solingen, Germany, wishes to be a fire fighter as helping people is what he enjoys. He is glad exploring India and is keen on learning its culture and history. A visit to Amritsar features prominently in his plan. 

Germany and China, along with India have been together on this project for last 10 years. A sport’s meet at Germany is the next plan where about 600 students from 16 countries are expected to participate. 

“Knowing each other is the first step to promote bonds,” shares Ailin, who represents the Chinese delegation. “Most of us here are students for foreign studies who want to experience different cultures first hand.”

The week-long trip would take this delegation through a historic, cultural experience. A day in India, things are going good. “I expected lot many cows on the road, I did see one though,” says Chantal... Prejudices are already melting away.