My connection with China

[Nepal] Ghimire Prateek, Central South University

The year 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and I feel incredibly privileged to be there to celebrate it with the Chinese people. I had the chance to take part in a variety of celebrations for the CPC’s centennial as an international student in China, including the activity “100 Years – 100 Countries – 100 People – Summer Social Practice of International Students of Central South University (CSU),” which made a lasting impression on me and allowed me to learn about the CPC’s development, comprehend Chinese national conditions, as well as helping us young students to grow and contribute through social practice.

I learned about the century-long developments in China’s rail transportation when visiting Shaoshan Railway Station in Hunan Province, and I also looked into the station’s close connection with a great leader. Shaoshan Railway Station, which reopened in June 2021, is where “green trains” operate. Its bricks and tiles rest in solitude and peace, each one representing the time-honored “red” spirit! Railroads have reduced travel times and significantly altered China, and they have made an indelible impact on the founding of the CPC. It may be claimed that the development of Chinese railroads and the country’s economic growth are closely related since railroads are one of a country’s most essential infrastructures, an important project for the livelihood of the people, and a vital artery for the country’s economic development. I think of my native country, a beautiful agricultural one with high-altitude peaks, no domestic railroads, and outdated transportation infrastructure.

International traffic mainly relies on air transport, domestic traffic mainly relies on roads. However the state of the roads is worrying – in clear weather, they are windy and dusty; in rainy weather, they are muddy and difficult to drive on! The tourism business has slowed down as a result of the bad traffic, and the people are not happy. I highly appreciate the Chinese proverb “If you want to get rich, build a road first”, and sincerely hope that the Belt & Road Initiative will prompt the Nepalese to take the plunge and start building railroads soon.

A comprehension after the passage of time. The early struggles of the CPC are memorialized in Shaoshan Bronze Statue Square, the old home of him, and his memorial hall. I pictured Chairman Mao’s arduous journey leading the Chinese people across the huge country of China, trekking across rivers and over mountains, shedding blood and tears, and marching towards triumph while founding a new China. This is not the first time I have encountered Chairman Mao’s life narrative since I am also a member of the Communist Party of Nepal, but each time I read or hear about his amazing exploits, I can’t help but feel awe, and I believe that his heart must have been planted in a rich soil. 

I feel a strong connection to China as I stand here on Chinese land today. I would not have been able to study in China if the country had not made a commitment to the Reform and Opening-up.

Our CSU’s motto, “unity of knowledge and action” and “putting what is learned to practice,” is something I admire. It always encourages me to put what I learn into practice and to engage in critical thinking while I study. “I feel superficial when I put it down on paper, I have to do it myself.” CSU has taught me to sharpen my sense of urgency, to think of danger in times of peace, to deeply understand the new features and demands brought by social change as well as the new contradictions and challenges brought by the complicated environment of life, and to be brave enough to face all the risks and challenges! These wonderful qualities have made me feel that I am closer to my ideal than ever before, that I am more confident and capable of achieving it, and that I am willing to make arduous and persistent efforts.

Despite that fact that I am a foreigner, I have a Chinese heart and I am deeply pleased of China’s impressive development!

Finally, I will bring all these wonderful qualities and indomitable spirit that I developed while studying in China to my profession and look forward to putting them to good use in the near future as I contribute in my own tiny way to the advancement of my motherland.

Although my connection with China is a wonderful thing, there are rules to follow!

The story is from "My Beautiful Encounter with China" Essay Competition organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (CSCSE).