Chinese Bridge Competition Highlights Kolkata's Deep Cultural Ties with China

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata, June 8 — The Indian finals of the prestigious Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition were held in Kolkata this year, celebrating not only linguistic achievement but also the enduring cultural ties between India and China. The event brought together students, educators, diplomats, and academic leaders from across the country in a vibrant display of cross-cultural learning.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Xú Wěi, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata, welcomed participants and underscored the historical depth of Sino-Indian relations. “Kolkata has a long-lasting and close relationship with China,” he noted, referencing the first Chinese settlers in the 18th century and the city’s legacy as home to India’s earliest Chinese-language institutions.

Mr. Xu highlighted the influence of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s 1924 visit to China and his founding of Chinabawana at Visva-Bharati University, which continues to serve as a center for Chinese studies. He quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping, stressing the importance of learning each other's languages as a tool for building bridges between nations.

“Whether for interest or career, learning Chinese offers meaningful benefits,” Mr. Xu stated, describing language as a light “illuminating the road of cooperation” between India and China.

Dignitaries Present:

The event was graced by several dignitaries:

Mr. Wáng Xīnmíng, Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India

Mr. Yáng Xiùhuá, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India

Mr. Avijit Banerjee, Professor and Head, Dept. of Chinese Language & Culture, Visva-Bharati University

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director, Center for Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies, JNU

Mr. Nishith Shah, Principal, India China Academy

Dr. Suvro Parui, Associate Professor, Chinese Language, Amity University, Gurugram

Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Principal, St. Joan’s School

Mrs. Mousumi Saha, Principal, National English School, Kolkata

Mrs. Aruna C. Gomes, Principal, Loreto Convent Entally, Kolkata

Judges for the Day:

The judging panel included:

Mr. Qin Yong, Deputy Consul General, Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata

Director Shanky Chandra, Department of Chinese Studies, Doon University

Ms. Saheli Chattaraj, Head, Department of China Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar University

Ms. Lan Tianzhi, Chinese Teacher, Bangalore Stonehill International School

Dr. Shikha Pandey, PhD scholar, Beijing Language and Culture University; Former Assistant Professor, University of Mumbai

Winners:

The competition saw outstanding performances by university and school-level students.

University Category Winners:

1. Amit Arun Mali – Visva-Bharati University

2. Ongme Lepcha – Visva-Bharati University

3. Rahul Pandit – Central University of Jharkhand

4. Sagnik Mukherjee – Visva-Bharati University

5. Soumya Sanjay Salunkhepati – Savitribai Phule Pune University (Recommended by Yinyang Center for Chinese Language)

6. Vaidehi Ranade – Jawaharlal Nehru University

7. Yana Wadhawan – Amity University

Secondary School Category Winners:

1. Adija Vijay Sutar – Jnana Prabodhini Prashala (Recommended by Yinyang Center for Chinese Language)

2. Angel Bhalerao – Lodha World School (ISG) (Recommended by India China Academy)

3. Vainavi Auddy – South City International School (Recommended by India’s Confucius Classroom, School of World Languages)

As the competition concluded, participants and dignitaries alike echoed the sentiment that mutual understanding through language is more important than ever. The Chinese Bridge contest reaffirmed Kolkata’s unique place in the cultural dialogue between India and China and promised to inspire the next generation of global citizens.