From C K Nayak
NEW DELHI: “You Embody Me and I Embody You, All in One and One in All, Both Lands to be at Peace Forever and The Spirit of Dragon and Elephant Forever Green.”
These basic themes, a portrait depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping and two life size paintings of Mahatma Gandhi by Chinese artists were the cynosure of all eyes during the just concluded 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India here.
An array of artworks by a group of Chinese artists was on display at the posh India Habitat Centre to commemorate the anniversary.
As part of the celebrations the exhibition of artworks was unveiled on Friday night. Chinese ambassador Le Yucheng hosted a colourful function where artistes from China delivered a musical performance.
A total of 80 works by 18 artists are being showcased at the “Exhibition of Fine Arts of Contemporary China”. “We have brought here various styles of Chinese artwork that include water colours, ink, oil on canvas. We are here to celebrate the special relationship that the people of China and India have had for so many years,” National Art Museum of China Director, Wu Wishan said.
Wishan himself a noted sculptor has created the images of Gandhi included in the exhibition.
“Gandhi was a person who was full of suggestions and a man of peace. He used his entire life to benefit people and is very loved and respected by Indians.
“His ideals are also related to Buddhism which is very popular with people of China,” Wishan said.
Speaking at the inauguration, BJP MP Tarun Vijay said, “We feel grateful for the celebration of age old friendships between India and China. We are very anxious to see these paintings go to other young people are able to see wonderful paintings.”
Lokesh Chandra, Chairman, India Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) who was also present pointed out the historical ties between the two countries.
In 67 AD two monks from India, Matanga and Dharmaratna travelled to Luoyang in China where they translated Buddhist scriptures and spread its teachings.
During the Han dynasty, white horses carried Buddhist scriptures from India to China and Xuan Zang’s journey to the west in the Tang Dynasty brought Indian cuture to China.
All these were depicted in the paintings that were displayed.
