STORY: Chinese language proficiency competition held in New Delhi
SHOOTING TIME: June 15, 2024
DATELINE: June 17, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:58
LOCATION: New Delhi
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the competition
2. various of the Chinese ambassador at the photo exhibition ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to China
3. various of the award ceremony
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): OINAM THOITHOI CHANUT, Champion of the competition
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SUREKHA DANGWAL, Professor and vice-chancellor of Doon University

STORYLINE:

The 23rd "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition for foreign college students and secondary school students in India was held at the Embassy of China in New Delhi on Saturday.

The competition was co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in India, Cheena-Bhavana of Visva-Bharati University, and the India China Academy.

A total of 13 Indian contestants participated in the final competition, showcasing their Chinese language proficiency and cultural understanding through speeches, knowledge tests, and talent performances.

The theme of the competition was "One World, One Family."

Oinam Thoithoi Chanut emerged as the champion and will represent India in China for the finals. She expressed her excitement about winning and learning the Chinese language.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): OINAM THOITHOI CHANUT, Champion of the competition
"Personally, I would say the 'Chinese Bridge' competition is not just a bridge. It's a door for me. It's a door to the world, to the real world. So, I think there are a lot of similarities between Indian culture and Chinese culture. And I hope people get to understand each other, love each other, and bring a harmonious relationship."

Surekha Dangwal, professor and vice-chancellor of Doon University, expressed her satisfaction with the results of the competition and emphasized the importance of learning the Chinese language to understand a great civilization.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SUREKHA DANGWAL, Professor and vice-chancellor of Doon University
"Without learning language, you cannot understand the culture, the literature, the shared values, the shared civilization as we have with China. So you cannot understand. Languages and expression and without expression, it is a bridge. It is a bridge between two nations and the oldest nation, rich in culture, rich in civilization, rich in values. So I think understanding the Chinese language from school days is very essential because China is our neighbor and you have to understand your neighbor. The two neighbors should have an understanding. And I think to understand and to learn Chinese language is the best thing to bridge this gap."

A photo exhibition ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to China was also held during the competition, and it was unveiled by the Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from New Delhi.
(XHTV)