Friday, June 06, 2008 (late evening)

Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Minister for External Affairs (EAM), Govt of India, handed over the Padma Bhushan citation in Beijing this morning to Professor Ji Xianlin, the renowned Indologist, scholar, paleographer and historian. Also present on the occasion was Mr. Li Zhaoxing, former Foreign Minister of China and currently Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Professor Ji, a renowned scholar of Buddhism, who has translated major Indian classics, such as the Ramayana, Shakuntalam and the Panchatantra into Chinese, has inspired a love for Indian culture among generations of Chinese students and scholars. Visiting the 96 year-old Prof. Ji in hospital, EAM told him “I am very happy to be visiting you today. Generations to come will remain ever grateful to you for having dedicated your illustrious life to the cause of India-China friendship and understanding. The Indian people treasure your contribution to the scholarship of India in China and regard you as a special and valued friend”.

Professor Ji Xianlin warmly greeted EAM thanking him for “travelling from afar and bringing this honor” of the Padma Bhushan award to him. Professor Ji continued, “Three years from now, I will be a hundred years old but that is not an end but a new beginning. So long as I am able to so, I will dedicate myself to greater understanding between the peoples of India and China.” The Professor added, “The contribution of China and India to the civilization of the world is incomparable.”

He said he was “deeply touched and honored” and “deeply impressed” by the visit of EAM.

Contact

Mr. Manish Chauhan | Counsellor | +86-10-65323313 | fsic.beijing@gmail.com