Shanghai now has a statue of Sanskrit poet Kalidas on one of its most important streets, something that few Indian cities can boast about.
A bronze bust of the poet was un?veiled at the Shanghai Theatre Academy on a street called the ?Shanghai theatre way?, which is being developed as the cultural and artistic hub of the eastern metropolis. Shanghai is one of the few world cities outside India, if any, to sport a statue of the great 5th century poet.
The Shanghai authorities plan to put up 19 statues of literary luminaries from across the world at the ?theatre way?.
The statue of Kalidas is the first to be set up. He may be the only Asian literary figure to be given this honour as the other statues will depict writers and poets from non-Asian countries, sources said. This is the second statue of great sons of India being put up in China, the earlier being one of Mahatma Gandhi which was unveiled at the
prestigious Choyang park in Beijing late last year.
Two other Indian icons, Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru were recently listed among the 50 important foreigners who have influenced modern China. The listing was announced by the People'sDaily, the Communist Party of China official organ, recently. These are among the strong indications of growing interest in India and its culture, in China with the active backing of Chinese official agencies that are keen on developing stronger relationship with India.
The two countries are celebrating this year as the Year of India-China Friendship.
(Courtesy: Times of India)
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