By Rabi Sankar Bosu, Indian freelance contributor to Chinese media outlets
A blood donation camp, "CRI-Gateway to China," was organized on April 23, 2017 at Hara South village (Haripal) in Hooghly district - West Bengal, India, which was organized by the New Horizon Radio Listeners' Club of China Radio International (CRI).
Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Mr. Ma Zhanwu inaugurated it by lighting a lamp as chief guest. Consul Mrs. Wang Mei, Vice Consul Mr. Shi Lijun, Assistant on Consular Affairs Mr.Tong Chunsheng, Senior Assistant for Political and Media Affairs of Chinese Consulate office, Ms.Yashi Surana and Mr. Becharam Manna, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of West Bengal were all present as well.
Approximately 700 people attended, which also offered a free health checkup camp. 65 villagers along with Mr. Debsankar Charaborty, Assistant Secretary of the club and Miss Manisha Charaborty, Cultural Secretary of the club along with other members donated blood.
Ma said he was deeply touched with blood donors for their pious acts to save lives.
He added the New Horizon Radio Listeners' Club is promoting China-India friendship, while the two countries have shared interests that far outweigh their differences.
The two sides should work closer together to expand cooperation and bridge a better future for the two peoples and the world at large.
Ma greeted blood donors by presenting them with Towels, T-shirts, water cooler bottles, many Chinese films on Chinese culture, history, scenic spots, documentary films on China-India relations, a special documentary film under title-"Ethereal Bridge" made on my radio life and my role for China, numerous books China Tibet, Beijing Review and some sweets.
The Chinese Consul General and other diplomats visited our club room. They appreciated our works, since the Listeners' Club has been promoting CRI and India-China culture exchanges and friendship for over 32 years. Ma gave a cash donation to the development of our club to encourage a stronger China-India friendship on the grassroots level.
Ma said, "I am very much impressed to see your love and work for China Radio International and China. I appreciate you for all that you have done for the cause of China-India friendship. I cordially wish you and your club could influence more locals and play a pivotal role in bridging China-India friendship."
The Consul General's visit stands as a remarkable event in our club's history. We never thought a high-profile Chinese Government official would come to our obscure village.
Locals felt overwhelmed to welcome Chinese dignitaries for the first time in our village. We were all happy to take photos and getting autographs from the Consul General and his high-level colleagues.
Chinese officials have won over the hearts and minds of our radio club members. We don't know whether he will visitour rural village again, but we will cherish our photos with him on our club wall.
The visit of Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Ma Zhanwu to our radio club to attend our social upliftment program for the cause of humanity under the banner of China Radio International promises better ties between the people of the two countries.
Rabi Sankar Bosu, Secretary of CRI's New Horizon Radio Listeners' Club, based in West Bengal, India.
(The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com)
Panview offers a new window of understanding the world as well as China through the views, opinions, and analysis of experts. We also welcome outside submissions, so feel free to send in your own editorials to "globalopinion@vip.cntv.cn" for consideration.
